Nature

We just returned from a week-long camping trip in White Springs at the Stephen Foster Culture and Folk Center. The destination is 2 hours and change north of Brooksville.

Dr. William Lester, UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County

The Wood Stork is a very strange looking bird found in Florida. The head lacks feathers, it has long thin legs, black/white feathers, and pinkish feet! Although unusual looking, I have developed a fondness for this most remarkable species of wading bird. The Wood Stork was on the brink of extinction. In the 1970s there were only 5,000 pairs recorded. Loss of wetland habitats and food base were primary factors in the sudden decline. In the everglades, nesting failure was also a contributor. In 2014, the U.S.

 As the brackish waters from the coastal edge of Hernando County flow ever so smoothly into the salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico, that transitional blend of life turns into an oasis of mysterious creatures. Unfortunately, the fear of what is living in the vast unknown such as sharks gets a bad reputation.

With just one glance of a shark’s sharp teeth, one must assume that these predators are actively searching for their next human meal. Many media sources have embellished this horror, thus furthering the misunderstanding of these fascinating fish.

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Gravel rooftops take on an entirely new function during the spring and summer months: nesting habitat for sea and shorebirds.

Important information the community needs to know 

Brooksville, Fla. -- Just as you think dealing with the coronavirus was bad enough, another major threat is bearing down… wildfires.

Could Cypress Lakes Preserve be a new home for the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay?

Ridge Manor, Fla.-- Environmentally Sensitive Lands provide preservation of natural habitats utilized by threatened or potentially endangered species such as the Florida Scrub-Jay and opportunities for public access and enjoyment.  

Florida Scrub-Jays

Starry rosinweed (Silphium asteriscus) occurs naturally in flatwoods, sandhills and disturbed areas in the panhandle and along the Gulf coast through Levy county. The common name rosinweed refers to the gummy or resinous substance found in the stems. Native Americans chewed stems to clean their teeth. 

Did you know having a garden is not only adding nature to your surroundings but can provide many insects and birds a substantial source of food?

June 17 through June 23 is National Pollinator Week, a great opportunity to learn about the many pollinating species and some fascinating facts.

So what is a pollinator?

A pollinator is simply an insect or other species that transfers pollen from one flowering plant to another.

Who are pollinators?