The hobby of beekeeping has gained considerable popularity in recent years. As such, the Apalachee Beekeepers Association is offering a beginning beekeeping short course on February 24, 2024. The class will be held at the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Crawfordville, located at 84 Cedar Avenue. Topics will include the fundamentals of beekeeping, beekeeping equipment, hive…Read more
As the days begin to shorten and cool, a few insects remain just as active as they did six months ago. All spend their days searching for the diminishing food supplies in preparation for the inevitable. Chief among these hardy six-legged creatures is European Honeybees. The social insects with a matriarchal home life are still…Read more
The polychromatic displays of Spring 2023 are located high and low, in residential and rural areas and seemingly without end. The blooms foretell the likelihood of the next generation of plants, but they are also an essential resource for insects in the spring. A grouping of insects commonly known as pollinators is currently busy collecting…Read more
As winter progresses in panhandle Florida, the palette of colors gradually changes by the week.Trees, shrubs and winter wildflowers provide a muted display for anyone willing to spend the time to observe it. The hues cover the spectrum but are not as intense or showy as during spring. The few blooms are also a lure…Read more
The dog days of August have temperatures and rain which are supporting late summer flowering in both the landscapes and wild areas of panhandle Florida. Native wildflowers and many other late bloomers which surround homes and businesses are on full display. The wet summer conditions have also stimulated the insect population. They, as a general…Read more
As spring hurtles towards summer, the palette of colors in natural areas changes by the week. Flowering trees, shrubs and wildflowers provide a Technicolor display for anyone willing to spend the time to take it in. The hues cover the spectrum and some blooms come with pleasant perfumes to offer the viewer a distraction from…Read more
There are certain sounds which cannot be ignored. They convey an immediate message which calls the listener to be alert and prepared. These noises, even in the panhandle, are uniquely distinct and are not likely to be confused with other audio messages. One of these acoustic alarms is buzzing, especially in close proximity. While there…Read more
The summer of 2020 is here with its oppressive heat and humidity during much of the daylight hours. Still there is time in the evening to enjoy the environment and the creatures in it. Chief among the entertaining insects are butterflies, and there are many different species here or passing through on a seasonal basis….Read more
