In our last episode, we discussed how rodenticides, also known as rat poisons, can have a negative impact on our birds of prey. Today, we’ll be talking about Florida’s five resident owl species and how to identify them by the calls they make. These owls are valuable predators in our local ecosystems, both rural and urban, and can be easily identified with just a little practice. Learn more: Watch our webinar: https://youtu.be/XhTFTNucDcw Commonly Confused Owls in Florida:...

Nobody likes pests, hence why pesticides were invented. Rodenticides are a specific type of pesticide used to control rats and mice, but they can have impacts throughout the food chain if not used correctly. In this episode, we will explore the science behind rodenticides, the impact of rodenticides, and of course, best management practices when it comes to controlling rodents in our yards and neighborhoods. Learn more: National Pesticide Information Center: What are rodenticides? -...

Plastic pollution has been a known problem for decades, but more recently researchers have been focusing on this idea of microplastics, that is plastic particles about 5mm in size or smaller. Where do microplastics come from? What are the threats? And what can we do? Find out in this episode.  Learn more: What are microplastics? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html  Watch a webinar on “Microplastics 101” – https://youtu.be/v0xVeMkxDZc (Taught by Lara)  Science by the...

Cane toads are well known for posing a threat to our pets. They are one of many invasive animal species we have here in Florida. In this episode you will learn all about this invasive toad species, how it became established in Florida, impacts of its presence, and ways you can help. Learn more: Florida’s Frogs & Toads – Cane Toad -  https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/canetoad.shtml (includes videos on identification, action steps if a pet is poisoned by a cane toad, and how to...

Coyotes have been in Florida since the 1970s but still feel like a relatively new species for many. In this episode, Shannon and Lara explore the latest research, facts, findings, and realities of living with coyotes. Learn more: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Species Profile Page for coyotes - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/coyote/ Watch a webinar on coyotes in Florida - https://youtu.be/0Q3gZnPtwTM  (Taught by Lara!) How You Can Help: ...

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences. Join Lara and Shannon as they interview Dr. J. Scott Angle, UF Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of UF/IFAS. Learn more: Dr. Angle has recently published a commentary on UF/IFAS’ snail kite work. Read it, here: Signs of hope for...

Florida is a hotspot for nonnative and invasive species, but there hasn't been a consistent way to talk about these species until now. In this episode, we explore the various words biologists, park rangers, the public, and news media use to describe nonnative and invasive species. We will define and explain invasive species vocabulary and clarify what these words mean.  Learn more: Florida Invasive Species Council - The mission of the Florida Invasive Species Council is to reduce the...

Florida is known for being hot in the summer, but Florida cities are even hotter. Energy from the sun gets absorbed by buildings and paved areas (like roads) which makes the whole urban area significantly hotter than natural areas. This is a phenomenon known as an urban heat island. Today we are going to explore urban heat islands and their associated impacts on our natural world. Learn more: Climate Kids - https://climatekids.nasa.gov/heat-islands/ Learn About Heat Islands -...

American white pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America with wingspans up to 9.5 feet across. These majestic birds migrate to Florida for winter feeding grounds, before retreating north and west for the breeding season. Floridians may see these snowy white cousins of the year-round resident brown pelican, feeding in shallow water or soaring across the sky in silent flying V’s. Learn more: Read and share our blog post on American White Pelicans:...

In this episode, we explore fire in Florida, what ecosystems burn and why, the history and current state of fire in Florida, and some neat adaptations found in plants and animals of fire-depended ecosystems. Learn more: Fire and Habitat - https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/archive/hot_topics/environment/fire_habitat.shtml Effects of Fire on Florida’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw132 Wind and Trees: Lessons Learned from Hurricanes (Mentioned by Shannon)...

Fill out our SUPER SHORT survey, here: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEf5YoxkFv87GIu Hey, Naturally Florida Listeners! We need your help!  As Extension agents, we need to report on our effort and impact over the year. We would LOVE to include some of the things we're hearing about the impact of the podcast. Have you done anything in your yard or local park, as a result of something we've taught you? Did you call a city employee to ask questions or recommend action for the city to...

Birds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They play a critical role in our ecosystems, keeping insect populations in-check, serving as a valuable prey item for our larger mammals, and helping to disperse seeds! Just like people, birds need food, water and shelter to survive. In this episode, we will explore a special type of bird called cavity nesters, who, as the name implies, need cavities to nest, reproduce and thrive. Sign Up: Register for our upcoming webinar all about cavity...

This episode is the second half of our discussion on the American alligator. This episode will focus on busting common myths and highlighting key ways we can learn to coexist with this critically important species. Learn more: Watch an 8ft+ alligator climb a 6ft fence: https://youtu.be/z7DMjQJD7vM (ABC Channel 6, WATE) Living with Alligators: a Florida Reality: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw230 How You Can Help: Never feed an alligator - If you suspect anyone of feeding...

Florida is known for having alligators, a fact that brings fear to many visitors and residents. But, alligators are an important species in many of our ecosystems. While we continue to develop the State, our chances of encountering an alligator increase, but there are many ways we can learn to coexist with them. This episode is the first episode in a two-part series and will discuss basic biology and some common alligator behavior. Learn more: Living with Alligators: a Florida Reality:...

Florida is known for a wide variety of ecosystems from the Everglades to its springs, and the beaches to the national forests. While these ecosystems are a major driver for tourism here in the state, Florida is rapidly developing with most of the population now living in urban areas. In this episode, we will explore the value and importance of an ecosystem that is often overlooked, the urban forests. Learn more: What Is an Urban Forest? - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP595 ...

Cuban treefrogs are an invasive species in Florida. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify a Cuban treefrogs and how to humanely euthanize them. By choosing to remove Cuban treefrogs from your yard or neighborhood, you're helping protect local native treefrogs, like the green treefrog and the squirrel treefrog. Learn more: Dr. Steve Johnson's website about Cuban Treefrogs: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/cuban_treefrog_inFL.shtml Factsheet on Cuban treefrogs, including...

Fireflies are indeed in Florida; you just have to know where to find them. Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, avoid areas with high volumes of artificial lights and lots of urban development. In this episode of Naturally Florida, we’ll be discussing the lifecycle and conservation of fireflies in Florida. Learn more: Where to find fireflies in Florida: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2021/06/05/where-to-find-florida-fireflies/  Learn more about the current status of fireflies in the...

Florida gets a lot of rain, but our natural water cycle is shifting more towards an urban water cycle as we develop the Sunshine State. In this episode of Naturally Florida, we'll be chatting about the impacts of development on the water cycle with a focus on stormwater and its impact on the watershed. Learn more: Stormwater Runoff - https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/residents/education/kids/stormwater-runoff Lara has a whole webinar on stormwater you can watch on-demand:...

Florida's native green anoles (pronounced "uh-noles"), Anolis carolinensis, are Lara's favorite species in all of Florida! In this episode of Naturally Florida, we'll be chatting about what makes green anoles so special and about their nonnative look-alike, the brown anole (Anolis sagrei). Learn more: Cuban Brown Anole or Green Anole (video): https://youtu.be/KQhnzi9mkYI Landscaping Solutions: Green Anoles:...