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Naturally Florida

44 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 61 ratings

Naturally Florida is a podcast about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here.

This podcast is brought to you by UF/IFAS Extension's Natural Resources programs in Polk and Pinellas Counties.

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Episodes

Florida's Pink Birds

March 18, 2024 08:27 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

Today's episode is all about Florida's pink birds, including the iconic roseate spoonbill and American flamingo. Learn more about the Florida Waters Stewardship Program - starting Online this April! 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 wi...

Scent-sational Skunks of Florida

February 19, 2024 09:30 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

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)  ...

Florida's Venomous Snakes

January 15, 2024 09:38 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MB

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? Li...

Florida's Floating Sea-Potatoes ... the Manatee!

December 18, 2023 09:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

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 m...

Florida Black Bears

November 20, 2023 16:57 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

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 yo...

Bloom, there it goes!

October 16, 2023 07:50 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

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 HA...

PodBLAST - The Impact of Fireworks

September 18, 2023 07:51 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MB

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 st...

Sounds of Summer - Calling Frogs

August 22, 2023 08:11 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

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...

Ticks and Tickborne Illness in Florida

July 17, 2023 08:03 - 21 minutes - 20.4 MB

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-resourc...

Sounds of Summer - Singing Insects

June 20, 2023 08:27 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB

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 ...

Three Common Snakes in Residential Areas

May 23, 2023 08:11 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

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-sn...

When You Think of Pines, I Hope You Think of Pinecones

April 17, 2023 08:55 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MB

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...

The Truth About Iconic Florida

March 20, 2023 09:18 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MB

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-infor...

Creating Wildlife Havens

February 20, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

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-Nester...

Winter in the Sunshine State

January 23, 2023 09:27 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MB

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...

Naturally Florida Trailer

January 22, 2023 13:32 - 47 seconds - 754 KB

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.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/naturallyflorida/message

End of the Year Q&A

December 19, 2022 09:37 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MB

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/Respons...

Highlighting a Keystone Species: The Gopher Tortoise

November 21, 2022 09:01 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MB

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 To...

It's Spooky Season, Let's Chat About Bats

October 17, 2022 11:37 - 21 minutes - 20 MB

Mummies, Ghosts, and Goblins – oh my! This spooky season, we're chatting about Florida’s bats!  Thirteen species of bats call Florida home, yearround, and several more migrate in from the north or south at certain times of year. These amazing flying mammals, the only mammal with true flight, provide highly valuable pest management services for Floridians.   So, while you may see some spooky vampire bats this month on TV or in the movies, remember - Florida bats eat insects … they don’t suc...

All About Lightning

September 26, 2022 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

The state of Florida is famous for its sunshine, beaches, and summertime fun. However, as Floridians, we know that summer also means thunderstorms, and thunder doesn’t happen without lightning.  In this episode, we will explore the basic science of lightning and thunder, and how you can keep yourself safe this summer. We hope this brief introduction to thunderstorms in Florida will help you feel more informed and prepared for our summer rainy season. Learn more: Understanding Lightning: T...

All About Owls

August 16, 2022 08:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MB

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: https://blogs.if...

Rat Poisons and Wildlife: What’s the Big Deal

July 18, 2022 08:29 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MB

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? - http:/...

Microplastic Pollution ... What Is It?

June 21, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

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 Sl...

Toads as Big as Your Head! Cane Toads in Florida

May 17, 2022 08:39 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MB

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 humanely ...

Coyotes are here to stay!

April 19, 2022 08:00 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MB

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: Share...

Special Interview with Dr. Scott Angle, UF Sr. Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources

March 21, 2022 08:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

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 endang...

Words Matter: When and How to Use the Words Invasive Species

February 22, 2022 09:00 - 21 minutes - 20.2 MB

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 impac...

Words matter: When and how to use the word invasive species

February 22, 2022 09:00 - 21 minutes - 20.2 MB

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 impac...

Is it getting hotter in our cities? It's the Urban Heat Island effect!

January 25, 2022 09:00 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MB

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 - https://www....

Is It Getting Hotter in Our Cities? It's the Urban Heat Island Effect!

January 25, 2022 09:00 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MB

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 - https://www....

American White Pelicans, Florida's Other Snowbird

December 21, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

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: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkc...

Florida on Fire: Prescribed Fire in the Sunshine State

November 23, 2021 10:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

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) -...

Annual Survey - We need your help!

November 12, 2021 20:33 - 2 minutes - 2.47 MB

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 t...

Birds and Their Houses: Cavity Nesters in Florida

October 20, 2021 20:22 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

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. Learn more: Helping Cavity-Nesters in Florida - https://edis.ifas...

(Part 2) Florida's most recognizable reptile: the American alligator

September 20, 2021 18:28 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MB

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 alliga...

(Part 2) Florida's Most Recognizable Reptile: the American Alligator

September 20, 2021 18:28 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MB

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 alliga...

(Part 1) Florida's Most Recognizable Reptile: the American Alligator

September 20, 2021 18:22 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MB

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: ht...

(Part 1) Florida's most recognizable reptile: the American alligator

September 20, 2021 18:22 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MB

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: ht...

Trees and People: An intro to urban forestry

August 24, 2021 19:30 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MB

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 Econom...

Cuban Treefrogs, they're more than just a nuisance!

July 15, 2021 19:40 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MB

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 identificati...

Wait, we have fireflies in Florida?

June 21, 2021 15:43 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MB

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...

Where does rain go after it falls?

June 21, 2021 15:42 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

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: https://zoom.us/rec...

Lara's Favorite Species: The Green Anole

June 21, 2021 15:41 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MB

Florida's native green anole (pronounced "uh-nole"), Anolis carolinensis, is Lara's favorite species in all of Florida! In this episode of Naturally Florida, we'll be chatting about what makes the green anole 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: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/gardening-with-wildlife/anoles.html...

Lara's Favorite Species: Green Anoles

June 21, 2021 15:41 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

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: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/gardening-with-wildlife/anoles.html...

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