On today's episode, you'll hear about a few of our non-native lizards and learn about the complexity of when a species may or may not be called invasive. Learn more: The Invasion Curve: A Tool for Understanding Invasive Species Management in South Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW392 "Ticks and Tickborne Illness in Florida" (a Naturally Florida podcast episode): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ticks-and-tickborne-illness-in-florida/id1573268305?i=1000621364386 Naturally Fl...
Feb 17, 2025•23 min•Season 5Ep. 2
While much of the country waits until late April to celebrate Arbor Day, Florida marks the occasion several months sooner. Our subtropical climate makes it safe—and even beneficial—to plant trees during the cooler, drier winter months (with proper irrigation). By doing this now, young saplings have time to develop strong root systems before facing the intense heat and storms of the summer season. Perhaps you recently attended an Arbor Day event, or took home a tree to plant in your yard. This ep...
Jan 20, 2025•25 min•Season 5Ep. 1
THANK YOU to all our loyal listeners that completed our annual podcast survey! If you missed out, no worries, you can give us feedback anytime on our website or try again next year starting in the Fall when we launch our survey again. In this episode, we explore the world of oysters. What are they? What do they do? What happens when they die? Eastern oysters play a critical role in Florida’s estuarine habitats, supporting hundreds of species big and small. Learn all about oysters and how you can...
Dec 16, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 13
On today's episode we're talking turkey - the wild turkey, that is! Learn all about Florida's wild turkey species, their biology, and even bust a myth or two. Learn More: See a turkey swim: Youtube Video from @southernoutlawadventures5106 on youtube.com Learn everything you could ever want to know about turkeys and managing habitat for turkeys, by listening to Wild Turkey Science How You Can Help: Support prescribed fire initiatives in and around your Florida community. Plant forage species in y...
Nov 18, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the state’s most fascinating plant groups: carnivorous plants. These spooky species have adapted to capture prey in some of Florida’s most nutrient-poor environments. We’ll talk about how they trap their meals, their role in the ecosystem, and where you can spot these unique plants across the state. Learn More: • Pinellas Predatory Plants - https://youtu.be/gG0XNhSnSvQ?si=_27ONm-oA3pNOHH6 • Carnivorous Plants - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/pla...
Oct 21, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Pollinators are the unsung heroes of Florida’s ecosystems, supporting the reproduction of our flowering plants in urban, suburban and natural areas. Pollinator populations are declining, and organizations are urging people to take action to support pollinators in their areas of influence. There is a lot of buzz around the topics of pollinators these days, but who are they? What are they doing? Where do they go? Find out this and more in today’s episode. Learn More: Insect Pollinators - https://w...
Sep 16, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 10
If the title of this episode sounds familiar, you must be a Creedance Clearwater Revival fan like Shannon is! Well, CCR might have actually been singing about seeing the rain but on today's episode of Naturally Florida, we're talking about smelling the rain. Rather, more accurately, we're talking about the smell before the rain , also known as Petrichor. Learn more: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2023/08/02/weekly https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/students/highs...
Aug 19, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Snakes play a critical role in our ecosystems, keeping rodent populations in check and supplying birds of prey with an excellent food source. But our snakes are facing a new threat, an invasive parasite, Raillietiella orientalis from Asia and Africa. This worm-like crustacean, believed to have come over with the invasive Burmese Python, is infecting the respiratory system of our native snakes. It is spreading rapidly, and ongoing research is documenting its spread and impact. Learn More: Invasiv...
Jul 15, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Saw palmetto ( Serenoa repens ) is an iconic plant of Florida, often dominating the understory of pine flatwoods habitats. Not only is saw palmetto endemic to Florida and the southeastern U.S., but it has also been referred to as a keystone species! A plant as a keystone species? YES! Keystone Species - a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically. For most of the year, saw palmetto fronds stand proud and upr...
Jun 17, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 7
The marsh rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit with short, rounded ears, and small feet. It is similar in appearance to the more familiar eastern cottontail rabbit but without the white color of their tail. The marsh rabbit is found in the southeastern United States from southeast Virginia (in the Dismal Swamp), along the east coast to eastern Alabama, and the Florida peninsula and the islands along the coast of Florida. There is a subspecies of the marsh rabbit, which is endangered and only found in...
May 20, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode, we explore the mosquitoes of Florida, covering everything from mosquito biology, types of mosquitoes, mosquito surveillance and control, and ways you can yourself from these important, but sometimes pesky insects. Learn More: UF/IFAS Document about mosquito repellents (Table of effectiveness at end): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN419 Mosquitoes & Their Control: Integrated Pest Management for Mosquito Reduction Around Homes and Neighborhoods - https://www.floridahea...
Apr 15, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode, we explore the mosquitoes of Florida, covering everything from mosquito biology, types of mosquitoes, mosquito surveillance and control, and ways you can yourself from these important, but sometimes pesky insects. Learn More: UF/IFAS Document about mosquito repellents (Table of effectiveness at end): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN419 Mosquitoes & Their Control: Integrated Pest Management for Mosquito Reduction Around Homes and Neighborhoods - https://www.floridahea...
Apr 15, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Today's episode is all about Florida's pink birds, including the iconic roseate spoonbill and American flamingo. Learn More: Read the NPR article we discussed about Hurricane Idalia and Flamingo sightings . View iNaturalist observations of Flamingos since 2020 How to Help: Don't feed water birds: Read why, here . Respect wildlife - view from a distance! Watch a short video about 'Rule of Thumb' for wildlife viewing, here. Submit your observations to iNaturalist . Sources: htt...
Mar 18, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode, we explore the two species of skunks found in Florida. A mammal that is so unique, it recently divided from a subfamily of the weasel to become its own family, a stinky one! There is a lot to learn about these mysterious creatures. We will explore the species of life history of Florida’s skunks, where you can find them, some fun skunk behavior and more! Learn More: Eastern Spotted Skunk Conservation Plan - Microsoft Word - ESS Conservation Plan July82019 (weebly.com) Skunks - ...
Feb 19, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 2
How do you feel about snakes? Not a fan? Well, while we believe snakes are friends, not foes, we recognize it may be comforting to know that the vast majority of snakes in Florida are non-venomous and largely cannot hurt you or your family. On today's episode, we go on a deep dive about Florida's venomous snakes. Learn more: Read about identifying the water moccasin and the banded water snake (non-venomous) OR watch this video Need a refresher on 3 common snakes in residential areas? Lis...
Jan 15, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Manatees are Florida’s gentle giants and are a sight to behold. They are state and federally protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 according to FWC. These gentle giants are Florida’s true natives, and we need to be respectful of these creatures when entering water ways. The goal is to actively co-exist with Florida wildlife. To properly do this we must first learn where we can find manat...
Dec 18, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Florida black bears have been in the news, frequently, this year! On today's episode, we chat about the Florida black bear's diet, behavior, and biology, and provide some tips for co-existing with our resident bears. Learn More: Living with the Florida black bear - https://www.myfwc.com/bear Where are the large bear populations? - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/bear-management-units/ How You Can Help: Limit attractants in your yard and protect bears from accessing your...
Nov 20, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 11
THANK YOU to all of our loyal listeners! Has this podcast made a difference in your life? The survey is now closed , but we look forward to hearing from you again next fall! If you have comments or topics for next season, submit them at www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com If you live in Florida, chances are you have heard or read about “harmful algal blooms" commonly referred to as HABs. We have received many requests for an episode on this topic, so…here it is! What are algae? What is a HAB?...
Oct 16, 2023•24 min•Season 3Ep. 10
THANK YOU to all of our loyal listeners! Has this podcast made a difference in your life? The survey is now closed , but we look forward to hearing from you again next fall! If you have comments or topics for next season, submit them at www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com Although fireworks are a staple for celebrations around the world, the explosives almost always contain pollutants like heavy metals, perchlorates, and aerosols, which harm air and water quality. The noise and flashes can startle m...
Sep 18, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode, we continue our exploration of the sounds of summer. This episode’s focus is all about commonly heard frogs in Florida. We have 33 species of frog in the state. More often heard than seen, this episode features six frog species, including some basic physical and audio identification information, habitats, what you can do to help, and more! Learn More: Florida’s Frogs – https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/florida.shtml Frogs & Toads of Florida – https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/ext...
Aug 22, 2023•24 min•Season 3Ep. 8
The creepiest, crawliest, grossest of arachnids, in our opinion, are ticks. And no, we don't feel bad calling them gross! Tick-borne illnesses can wreak havoc on people's lives and there is still so much we don't know about them. On today's episode, learn what we DO know about ticks in Florida, the diseases they may carry, and what to do to protect yourself, your family, and your friends from ticks. Learn More: Florida-specific tick information: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/family-r...
Jul 17, 2023•22 min•Season 3Ep. 7
What comes to mind when you think of summer? Hot. Beaches. No school. What about singing insects? No? Perhaps not, but we’re sure you’ve heard the sounds of summer. Nobody sounds the alarm for summer weather like our native cicadas. Find out about them and more in today’s episode. Learn more: Common Grasshoppers in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN010 Cicadas of Florida - https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/bugs/cicadas.htm Singing Insects of North America - https://orths...
Jun 20, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 6
On today’s episode, you’ll learn about three non-venomous snake species common to residential areas in Florida. Slithering into a neighborhood near you, these common snake species are found all over Florida. Learn More: Red Cornsnake: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/red-cornsnake/ Black Racer: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/north-american-racer/ Ring-necked Snake: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/ring-necked-snake/ Learn ...
May 23, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 5
We have all probably interacted with pine cones in some way, whether we collected them to start a bon fire, rolled them in peanut butter to create a bird feeder, or avoided them during pollen season. Pine trees produce pine cones, a unique seed with a fascinating science and ecological importance for Florida’s ecosystems. Learn more: Common Pines of Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR003 Fun facts about pine cones - www.canr.msu.edu/news/fun_facts_about_pine_cones How You Can Help...
Apr 17, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 4
When people think of Florida and visiting the sights, what do they think of? For most people, it’s some combination of alligators, flamingos, manatees, and sea turtles with a sprinkling of Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, and the beaches. This episode explores the truth about iconic Florida. Learn more: American Flamingo - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/american-flamingo All About Manatees- https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/facts-and-information/ . All...
Mar 20, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 3
You’ve probably heard that habitat destruction is a common cause of population declines for many wildlife species. It’s critical for us to do what we can in our yards, neighborhoods and communities to help support wildlife by providing food, water, shelter and space. In this episode, we discuss ten tips you can consider implementing where you have influence. Learn more: Planting a Refuge for Wildlife (book)- wildlifeflorida.com/product/planting-a-refuge-for-wildlife/ Helping Cavity-Nesters in Fl...
Feb 20, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 2
People don’t often think of Florida when they think of winter, but there is actually a lot that happens in the natural world. There are migrations happening, leaves falling, and much more! In this episode, we will explore the exciting world of winter in Florida. Learn more: Science of Fall Colors - Science of Fall Colors | US Forest Service (usda.gov) Wildlife Happenings - UFlorida Wildlife Extension at UF/IFAS (ufl.edu) Do Black Bears Hibernate? - myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/facts/...
Jan 23, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Welcome to Naturally Florida, a podcast about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here. Submit comments and topic suggestions to our website, www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com This podcast is brought to you by UF/IFAS Extension, an Equal Opportunity Institution.
Jan 22, 2023•47 sec
In this episode of Naturally Florida, Shannon answers a few Listener questions! She'll tackle a light-hearted Florida Christmas classic, "Why do iguanas fall out of trees when it gets cold?" as well as shed some light about "good or bad" species like queen palms and Carolina laurel cherry, and finally, wrap up with a South Florida conundrum, "What can be done about a nuisance peacock?" If YOU have a question for Shannon and Lara, you can leave it here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Dec 19, 2022•18 min•Season 2Ep. 12
The gopher tortoise is not only a keystone species, but also an endemic species, making it special and important to the overall function of the ecosystems where it is found. In this episode we will explore the life of the gopher tortoise including some basic identification information, population status, biology, and things you can to do help populations in Florida. Learn more: Watch our webinar - https://youtu.be/1QhwxOb0Cb4 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Gopher...
Nov 21, 2022•26 min•Season 2Ep. 11
