In this episode, the co-hosts share some big news: the podcast is taking a break as both Dr. Ferrell and Christine take on new roles. Join us as we reflect on the top episodes and memorable moments since starting Working in the Weeds ! — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify and discuss issues surrounding aquatic and invasive plants, while also highligh...
Jun 11, 2025•19 min
Dr. Ferrell and Christine talk about one of the oldest herbicides used today. 2,4-D has a rich history in agriculture and natural resource management. Listen to this episode to learn about the science behind 2,4-D. Helpful Resources Herbicides 101: What's the Deal with Aquatic Herbicides? Silent Spring UF/IFAS CAIP Blog — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists w...
Feb 12, 2025•33 min
In this episode, we set the stage for future conversations. First, we review how herbicides work and the registration process. Then, we introduce herbicide selectivity and resistance. Stay tuned as we continue to turn science into solutions! Helpful Resources Herbicides 101: What's the Deal with Aquatic Herbicides? Silent Spring UF/IFAS CAIP Blog — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series ...
Jan 15, 2025•29 min
This week we chat with Dan Kolterman, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section, about their efforts to restore natural areas in one of Florida's most iconic river systems. Helpful Resources FWC Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify...
Jul 24, 2024•24 min
Take a deep dive with us as we talk with CJ about crested floating heart! Learn how this invasive plant looks, spreads, and outcompetes native flora; disrupting biodiversity, flood control, and water quality. We discuss the challenges of managing this invasive in Florida's waters, and the current research being conducted on it here at the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Helpful Resources Crested Floating Heart Plant Profile — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Fl...
Jul 10, 2024•30 min
This week we sit down with Dr. Daniel Clements, a freshwater ecologist for the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, to discuss plant management practices abroad and similarities between the invasive plants found in New Zealand and Florida. Helpful Resources NIWA Freshwater Research — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify and discuss issues su...
Jun 26, 2024•26 min
To the east of Lake Wales lies Lake Kissimmee...This week we chat with Marty Mann, a biologist from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to learn more about this system and its rich history! Helpful Resources Working in the Weeds Lakes and Landscapes Episode FWC What's Happening On My Lake Website — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeholders to cl...
Jun 12, 2024•30 min
What happens when a native becomes a nuisance? This week we get to learn about eelgrass in Lake Guntersville with Troy Goldsby! Tune in to learn more about this plant in the Tennessee Valley... Helpful Resources: Eelgrass Plant Profile — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify and discuss issues surrounding aquatic and invasive plants, while also highlighting the...
May 29, 2024•30 min
What has up to 28,000 spores on a single leaflet and rhizomes that form dense, wiry, brown mats? Old world climbing fern, of course! Listen to this plant deep dive to learn about the tremendous impact this invasive plant has on Florida's natural areas. Helpful Resources Old World Climbing Fern Plant Profile UF/IFAS Assessment EDDMapS Old World Climbing Fern AskIFAS — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connec...
May 15, 2024•26 min
In this episode we discuss one of the biggest changes to pesticide use since the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Dr. Brett Bultemeier with the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office shares what Pesticide Use Limitation Areas mean when it comes to using pesticides in areas that have endangered species. Helpful Resources Bulletins Live! Two UF/IFAS PIO Blog: Do You Know Where to Find a PULA? EPA Workplan for ESA UF/IFAS PIO Website — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the ...
May 01, 2024•29 min
Is there a new "green menace" in the St. Johns River? Listen to this episode to learn about how Jessica Spencer, a USACE Engineer Invasive Plant Biologist, is working with local authorities to combat the spread of this invasive plant. Helpful Resources UF/IFAS CAIP Blog: Giant Salvinia in Jacksonville UF/IFAS CAIP Blog: Early Detection Rapid Response Giant Salvinia Plant Profile News4Jax Article — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic...
Apr 17, 2024•35 min
In this episode, Dr. Ferrell and Christine sit down with Dr. Joe Bisesi to review one of his latest research studies that starts to answer..."Do herbicides harm bass?" Listen to learn about how Dr. Bisesi studied the impacts of two common herbicides on bass at three different life stages. Helpful Resources More about Dr. Bisesi — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists wi...
Apr 03, 2024•32 min
In this episode, we answer five common questions about aquatic herbicides: Will these herbicides harm migratory birds and bees? Do herbicides harm fish or effect water quality? Are the fish safe to eat after treatments? And will these chemicals harm my family or pets? Why do they continue to spray when there are so few plants? Do aquatic herbicides contribute to blue-green algae blooms? Helpful Resources Herbicides 101: What's the Deal with Aquatic Herbicides? Silent Spring UF/IFAS CAIP Blog...
Mar 20, 2024•30 min
In this episode, we share four common ways aquatic herbicides work as a tool for controlling plants. Christine explains how a plant grows and functions, then Dr. Ferrell describes how herbicides carefully disrupt those processes to provide plant control. Helpful Resources Herbicides 101: What's the Deal with Aquatic Herbicides? Silent Spring UF/IFAS CAIP Blog Herbicide FAQs — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants...
Mar 06, 2024•36 min
In this episode, we talk about herbicide technology and what aquatic treatments look like today. Dr. Ferrell shares an overview on the history, registration process, and science behind aquatic herbicides. Helpful Resources Chemical Control Web Resources Silent Spring UF/IFAS CAIP Blog Herbicide FAQs — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify and disc...
Feb 21, 2024•42 min
We talk with FWC Biologist, Eric Nagid, about Orange Lake. This waterbody lies just south of Gainesville, FL and has a unique history. Listen to our conversation to learn more about how dynamic each of Florida's lakes can be! Helpful Resources Working in the Weeds Lakes and Landscapes Episode FWC What's Happening On My Lake Website — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeho...
Feb 07, 2024•35 min
Have you ever had an invasive plant problem? Were you not sure what to do? In this episode we call in a few experts to answer common questions we receive from gardeners, land managers, and lakefront property owners. Questions we answer: I built some new flower beds a couple of years ago but have recently noticed a few new plants growing in it. I friend recently told me she thinks these are Chinese Crown orchids. Where did these come from and what should I do? I have a 10 acre pasture that is par...
Jan 24, 2024•31 min
In this episode, we learn more about a recent study conducted at the Center with lab manager, Corrina. The purpose of this study was to investigate how long giant salvinia ( Salvinia molesta ) can survive on boat bunks, and what that means for traveling right after a boat day. Listen to learn about how the study was set up and what the researchers found out! Helpful Resources Giant Salvinia Plant Profile Common Salvinia Plant Profile UF/IFAS CAIP Blog — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the ...
Jan 10, 2024•33 min
In this episode, Dr. Ferrell and Christine speak with Dr. Mike Allen, Director of the Nature Coast Biological Station and a professor of Fisheries and Aquatic Science in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences at the University of Florida. Together we explore the question, “What is lake muck and what happens when there is too much of it”? Listen to learn more about lake muck and the impact invasive plants have on this element in Florida lakes. Helpful Resources Lake Muck blog — W...
Nov 01, 2023•31 min
There are so many invasive plants and many have naturalized. Why not just leave them alone? Why can’t we just leave a few plants? Are herbicides dumped into the water? Does treating aquatic plants with herbicides cause more muck? Listen to this episode to find out the answer to these questions! — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify and discuss issues su...
Oct 18, 2023•37 min
Travis Thompson is a sportsman, hunting guide, podcast host, and advocate turned influencer in the world of Florida conservation. In this episode, we talk with Travis about how his perspective has grown when it comes to invasive plants, what it means to be an authentic advocate, and how he got started with his three brands: All Florida, Cast and Blast, and Duck Ranchin'. Listen to learn more about his mission and how you can get involved in the conservation conversation! Helpful Resources All Fl...
Oct 04, 2023•31 min
In this episode, Dr. Ferrell and Christine talk about a study conducted in 2019 on Lake Istokpoga located in Highlands County, Florida. In this study, UF/IFAS LAKEWATCH and CAIP researchers collaborated with concerned lake users on a project that examined the possible cause for reduced hydrilla growth in the lake. Listen to this episode to hear what the scientists and citizens found out! Helpful Resources The Lake Istokpoga research paper UF/IFAS CAIP Blog on the study About Lake Istokpoga Hydri...
Sep 20, 2023•27 min
This week, we highlight the UGA Bugwood Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health with the Director of the program, Chuck Bargeron. In this episode, he shares why UGA Bugwood was started, the benefit of citizen science, and the future of invasive species data collection on apps! Additional Resources UGA Bugwood Website EDDMapS I'veGot1 App — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists...
Sep 06, 2023•35 min
Did you know that Florida is the bass fishing capital of the world? We sit down with B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, Gene Gilliland, to talk about bass fishing, lake conservation, and ask the question " does more grass equal more bass? " Listen to this week's episode to learn about B.A.S.S., Gene, and the answer to this question! Helpful Resources B.A.S.S. Conservation News Gene Gilliland The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Cente...
Aug 23, 2023•35 min
In this episode, Dr. Jay Ferrell and Christine Krebs learn about the latest in lantana sterilization research with doctoral student, Brooks Parrish. Listen to learn about what makes Lantana, a beloved garden plant, invasive and get a glimpse into plant breeding research. Helpful Resources UF/IFAS Gardening Info https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/lantana.html Plant Profile https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/lantana-camara/ UF Sterile Cultivars https://edis.ifas.uf...
Aug 09, 2023•31 min
Center director Dr. Jay Ferrell hosts a special trivia game episode with Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS) board members! Trivia categories include plant facts, boating facts, APMS facts, and a mystery question. — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify and discuss issues surrounding aquatic and invasive plants, while also highlighting the research being cond...
Jul 26, 2023•32 min
We sit down with Florida LAKEWATCH Directors Mark Hoyer and Dr. Gretchen Lescord to talk about the past, present, and future of Florida LAKEWATCH. Since 1986, this program has engaged citizens with science related to the management of Florida lakes, estuaries, rivers, and springs through monthly data collection. Listen to our conversation to learn about LAKEWATCH! Helpful Resources Florida LAKEWATCH Website — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquati...
Jul 12, 2023•36 min
On this week's episode, we talk with FWC Biologist, Ed Harris, about the unique characteristics of Lake Toho and its neighboring waterbody, East Lake Toho. Listen to this episode to learn about their ecology, user groups, and recent management efforts. Helpful Resources Working in the Weeds Lakes and Landscapes Episode FWC What's Happening On My Lake Website — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects sc...
Jun 28, 2023•34 min
This week we sit down with Dr. Emily Kraus to talk about the Air Potato Patrol citizen science program coordinated by UF/IFAS and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Dr. Kraus shares how the program empowered citizens to identify the air potato vine in their landscape, common look-alike plants, and the air potato leaf beetle. Helpful Resources Air Potato Patrol Website Air Potato Patrol Blog (By Dr. Lester) Air Potato Vine Control Information (FDACS) Air Potato Vine Plan...
Jun 14, 2023•29 min
In this episode we talk about what it's like to manage invasive plants while protecting endangered species that share the same ecosystem. We are joined by Jon Lane from the US Army Corps of Engineers and he shares his experience with managing water hyacinth while protecting Snail Kite populations nearby. — Working In The Weeds is a podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants . This series connects scientists with stakeholders to clarify and discuss issues ...
May 31, 2023•32 min
