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Cypress forests help absorb storm surge and reduce flooding during hurricanes.
Endangered species find refuge in Florida's climate-fighting forest
Aurora Sustainable Lands is preserving 40,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest in Florida’s Apalachicola River Basin through carbon credits, protecting wetlands, wildlife, and communities from flooding and hurricane impacts. more
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Florida to resume bear hunting for first time since 2015
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to reinstate bear hunting. The first hunt is scheduled for December — the state’s first since a controversial 2015 season that ended after two days. Supporters say the move will help manage the population and reduce human-bear conflicts, while opponents call it cruel and unnecessary. more
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Help count pollinators in your backyard during the Great Southeast Pollinator Census
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census returns August 22–23, and Floridians are encouraged to spend 15 minutes counting pollinators in their own yards. The data collected will help scientists monitor insect populations critical to nearly half of the state’s crops and the health of local ecosystems. more
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After the Storm: A guide to sorting debris for pickup
As hurricane season intensifies, Orange County Public Works is reminding residents that preparing for the aftermath is as important as stocking up before the storm. Special curbside debris collection may be activated after severe weather, and proper sorting of vegetative, construction, and household waste is essential to ensure safe and timely removal. more
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FWC faces backlash over controversial Florida black bear hunt proposal
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will vote this week on a proposal to reopen black bear hunting for the first time since 2015, allowing up to 187 bears to be killed using archery and bait. Conservation groups say the plan benefits trophy hunters, undermines science-based management, and strips the public of a voice in wildlife decisions. more
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In an aerial view, a person walks next to a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on Aug. 5, 2024, in Cedar Key. Hurricane Debby brought rainstorms and high winds to Florida’s Big Bend area.
Opposition grows to Florida law designed to improve disaster recovery
Smart Growth Group 1000 Friends of Florida is urging lawmakers to repeal parts of SB 180, a new law meant to speed post-disaster rebuilding but now criticized for stripping local governments of authority over land use and development rules. more
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Mosquito-repelling plants won’t stop bites, but science-backed strategies can
As Florida hits peak mosquito season, UF/IFAS scientists say common mosquito-repelling plants won’t do the job unless their oils are extracted and used in sprays. Experts recommend a combination of repellents, habitat management, and nature-friendly landscaping to effectively reduce mosquito bites. more
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Temporary closures scheduled for Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive this month
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive will close on three Fridays in August for slope stabilization work. The Loop Trail will remain open, but weekday access via Lust and Conrad roads will be restricted for pedestrians and cyclists. more
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Orange County strengthens tree preservation rules to protect native Heritage and Specimen trees
As new construction rises near Lake Nona and beyond, Orange County is enforcing its toughest tree protection rules in decades. A new ordinance prioritizes the preservation of mature native trees like Live Oaks and Southern Magnolias, requiring developers to replace lost canopy, or better yet, leave the trees standing. more
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Marco Schiavon, UFIFAS
Scorching temps from California turf raises questions about artificial turf, xeriscaping in humid states like Florida
Florida isn’t California - it’s wetter, more humid and prone to flooding - but as more Floridians consider replacing lawns with gravel-heavy xeriscapes or artificial turf to save water or reduce upkeep, this study offers a cautionary tale. more
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Blue School Grants open to fund innovative water education projects
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Blue School Grant Program is accepting proposals from teachers who want to connect students with Florida’s water resources through STEM‑focused projects. more
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Seeing a toxic blue-green algae bloom in the St. Johns River has become more common as more pollution flows into the river from toxic sewage sludge.
Toxic sludge is tainting Florida’s longest river, with no solution in sight
Despite its historical significance and ecological value, the St. Johns River has become increasingly burdened by nutrient pollution from sewage sludge and agricultural runoff—issues that reflect a broader pattern of human-caused harm to Florida’s waterways. more
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Nine-armed Sea Stars dying in Atlantic waters: UF/IFAS scientists document first case of disease in Florida
A snorkeler’s troubling discovery in Lake Worth Cove has led scientists to confirm Florida’s first documented case of Sea Star Wasting Disease in Atlantic coastal waters. The finding signals a potential threat to the health of vital marine invertebrates and the balance of seafloor ecosystems. more
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Trees like these in Boston can help keep neighborhoods cooler on hot days.
2 ways cities can beat the heat: Which is best, urban trees or cool roofs?
As climate change intensifies summer heat, cities are exploring ways to cool down neighborhoods by planting trees and installing reflective “cool roofs.” A new analysis shows that the best solution depends on each city’s landscape, water resources, and budget, with targeted strategies offering the greatest relief. Trees like these in Boston can help keep neighborhoods cooler on hot days. Yassine Khalfalli/Unsplash , … more
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Scaring neighbors and causing community tension: Study uncovers cost of invasive chameleons 
A UF/IFAS study reveals that invasive panther chameleons in a Central Florida neighborhood are causing more human tension than ecological harm, as nighttime collectors spark fear and confusion among residents. more
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Kelly Park: A timeless natural treasure in the heart of Orange County
Orange County’s landmark Kelly Park, home to the crystal‑clear Rock Springs, draws visitors from around the world with its lazy river, campsites, and rich history. Once a bird sanctuary gifted by Dr. Howard A. Kelly, the park remains a living tribute to Florida’s natural and cultural legacy. more
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Hot water in the Gulf made Hurricane Helene rapidly intensify before it made landfall in Florida.
Florida farmers to receive $675 million in federal block grant for hurricane relief
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $675 million federal block grant to help Florida farmers recover from back‑to‑back hurricane seasons that caused billions in agricultural losses. The funding will assist producers in disaster‑designated counties with infrastructure repairs, market loss compensation, and recovery from widespread crop and timber damage. more
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Silent threat to city trees gets scientific solution 
A groundbreaking five‑year study revealed that invasive termites in Florida are silently hollowing out trees in public parks, threatening the city’s canopy as much as hurricanes do. UF/IFAS scientists demonstrated that targeted bait treatments can protect urban forests only with long‑term monitoring and action. more
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WUCF launches BEACON Emergency Broadcast Service for Central Florida
WUCF, Central Florida’s PBS and NPR stations, has introduced BEACON, a groundbreaking emergency broadcast network built with artificial intelligence and guided by emergency management experts. Available on HD radio, online, and through a mobile app, BEACON provides real-time alerts and critical information even during power or network outages. more
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Silver Glen Springs in Marion County.
Private company controls access to public land at Florida national park
Hikers and campers in Florida’s Ocala National Forest are seeing steep price hikes at popular springs, with entry fees rising from $5.50 to $13 per person and a new $20 parking charge. Critics say private concessionaires like Naventure are profiting from public lands while ranger staffing and services decline nationwide. more
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Summer Heat Safety: Know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses
With extreme summer heat rising in Central Florida, recognizing early signs of heat illness—like cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke—can be lifesaving. Knowing when to cool down, seek help, or call 911 keeps you and your loved ones safe during dangerous heat waves. more
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Coalition blasts FWC’s proposed black bear hunt as privatized trophy plan
Sierra Club Florida, Speak Up for Wildlife, and a growing coalition released a fact sheet detailing nine major flaws in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s proposed black bear hunt. Critics say the plan rewards wealthy landowners, revives inhumane hunting methods, and strips Floridians of public accountability in wildlife management. more
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June rainfall drops below average across all 18 counties
Rainfall across all 18 counties in the St. Johns River Water Management District was below average in June, with precipitation mainly at the start and end of the month. Lake, Orange, and parts of Volusia and northern Brevard counties saw more than 10 inches in some areas. more
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Tropical rainstorm forecasted to soak Apopka, Central Florida, before heading to the Gulf Coast
A tropical system crossing Florida on Tuesday could bring 4 to 8 inches of rain, localized flooding, and wind gusts up to 40 mph to Apopka and surrounding areas. more
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A close-up of a nesting Giant South American River Turtle on a sandbank in the Amazon’s Guaporé River. (Omar Torrico, Wildlife Conservation Society)
UF study reveals world’s largest turtle nesting site thanks to smarter drone surveys
By combining aerial imagery with statistical modeling, the UF researchers documented more than 41,000 Giant South American River Turtles gathered along the Amazon’s Guaporé River. The breakthrough offers conservationists a powerful new tool to track and protect vulnerable species worldwide. more
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