Naturally Florida

By Shannon Carnevale and Lara MilliganScience Nature

Naturally Florida episodes

September 26, 2022All About Lightning
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: Thunderstorm Electrification - www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-electrification

Severe Weather 101: Frequently Asked Questions About Lightning - www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/lightning/faq

Understanding Lighting: Thunder - www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-thunder
How You Can Help:
Share what you learned with a friend!

Remember these sayings: "NO Place Outside Is Safe When Thunderstorms Are In The Area!", "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!, and "Half An Hour Since Thunder Roars, Now It’s Safe To Go Outdoors!"

Educate yourself and others with these lightning safety tips and resources - www.weather.gov/safety/lightning
Sources for this Episode:
Understanding Lightning: Thunderstorm Electrification - www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-electrification

Severe Weather 101: Frequently Asked Questions About Lightning - www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/lightning/faq

Understanding Lighting: Thunder - www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-thunder

Clouds – How Do They Form? - www.weather.gov/source/zhu/ZHU_Training_Page/clouds/cloud_development/clouds.htm

Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering 780, Chandima Gomes (Editor). “Lighting - Science, Engineering, and Economic Implications for Developing Countries”. Springer.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
Thunderstorm sound clips licensed from Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 AU, via Wikimedia Commons
21 min
August 16, 2022All About Owls
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.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2019/11/06/commonly-confused-owls-in-florida/

Check out inaturalist.org for owls observed near you: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=21&q=owl&subview=map&iconic_taxa=Aves
Owl Calls:
Great horned owl calls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Horned_Owl/sounds

Barred owl calls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barred_Owl/sounds

Barn owl calls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Owl/sounds

Eastern screech owl calls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Screech-Owl/sounds

Burrowing owl calls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_Owl/sounds
How You Can Help:
Share what you learned with a friend!

Consider adding habitat for our owl friends. See these links for nestbox plans: Eastern screech owl, barred owl, and barn owl

Think carefully before using any rodenticides and try other methods of rodent control, first!
Sources for this Episode:
Cornell's All About Birds website: barn owls, barred owls, great horned owls, Eastern screech owls, burrowing owls
FWC's Owl Pages - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/#!categoryid=1149&subcategoryid=16772&status=

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
23 min
July 18, 2022Rat Poisons and Wildlife: What’s the Big Deal
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://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/rodenticides.html

AskIFAS: Rat and Mouse Control - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/DH044

Potential Risks of Nine Rodenticides to Birds and Nontarget Mammals: a Comparative Approach - https://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/pesticides/EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0955-0005.pdf

Rodent management options in and around the home - https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2022/07/25/management-of-rodents/
How You Can Help:
Share what you learned with a friend!

Implement integrated pest management (IPM) - http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74106.html

If resorting to rodenticides, ensure you read the label and apply correctly - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PI284
Sources for this Episode:
Cornell Wildlife Health Lab: Rodenticide Toxicity - https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/disease/rodenticide-toxicity

National Pesticide Information Center: What are rodenticides? - http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/rodenticides.html

Potential Risks of Nine Rodenticides to Birds and Nontarget Mammals: a Comparative Approach - https://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/pesticides/EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0955-0005.pdf

AskIFAS: Rat and Mouse Control - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/DH044

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations
20 min
June 21, 2022Microplastic Pollution ... What Is It?
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 Slice Podcast: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/
How You Can Help:
Share what you learned with a friend!

Get involved with the Florida Microplastics Awareness Project – https://flseagrant.ifas.ufl.edu/microplastics/

Take the pledge – A brief pledge of easy ways you can lessen your contribution to microplastics: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3kgYVW8A9qOhu6h

Use your voice – Ask your favorite companies to make a change, write to your elected officials, and lead by example.
Sources for this Episode:
Primary Microplastics in the Oceans: a Global Evaluation of Sources – https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2017-002-En.pdf

Microplastics removal from a primary settler tank in a wastewater treatment plant – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749122004122?via%3Dihub

Microplastics Increase Soil pH and Decrease Microbial Activities – https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2021.675803/full

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations
21 min
May 17, 2022Toads as Big as Your Head! Cane Toads in Florida
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 euthanize them)

Cane Toad or “Bufo” Toad (Rhinella marina) in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW432

Southern Toad or Cane Toad – a compare/contrast video - https://youtu.be/7jTDEVEolu8

What to do if a pet encounters a cane toad (video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg1HUuxM7Zc
How You Can Help:
Share what you learned with a friend!

Report invasive cane toads outside of current range See Figure 1 from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW432 and report any sightings outside of the green area – email Dr. Johnson ([email protected]) with location information for the cane toad sighting and at least two focused pictures, one showing the top of the head and another of the shoulder area.

Humanely euthanize invasive cane toads - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCZlSVbOkWU
Sources for this Episode:
Cane Toad or “Bufo” Toad (Rhinella marina) in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW432

Florida Wildlife Extension – Marine Toad - https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/frogstoads/rhinella_marina.php

Department of Wildlife & Ecology – UF Wildlife – Johnson Lab - https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/canetoad.shtml

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/amphibians/cane-toad/
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations
21 min
April 19, 2022Coyotes are here to stay!
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 what you learned with a friend!

Secure attractants like pet food and garbage - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW437

Haze coyotes that are getting too close to humans: Here is a video from FWC explaining why and how it should be done - https://youtu.be/PnSo45n3mHM

Have nuisance coyotes trapped by a licensed wildlife trapper - https://app.myfwc.com/HGM/NWT/NWTSearch.aspx
Sources for this Episode:
Dr. Martin B. Main, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida

Angeline Barker, Certified Wildlife Biologist®, Biological Administrator I, Wildlife & Habitat Management Section, Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Coyotes - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/coyote/
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations
22 min
March 21, 2022Special Interview with Dr. Scott Angle, UF Sr. Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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 endangered Everglade snail kite | The Invading Sea

Everglades snail kite – Learn more about this species on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission page - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/raptors-and-vultures/everglade-snail-kite/

Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) - https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/horticulture/cups/#:~:text=Citrus%20Under%20Protective%20Screen%20(CUPS)%20is%20an%20integrated%20system%20for,of%20Huanglongbing%20disease%20(HLB).

About UF/IFAS - The mission of UF/IFAS is to develop knowledge in agricultural, human, and natural resources, and to make that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life: https://ifas.ufl.edu/about-us/

About Dr. J. Scott Angle - https://ifas.ufl.edu/vp-office/about/j-scott-angle/

Follow Dr. Scott Angle on Twitter - https://twitter.com/IFAS_VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

About Dr. Robert J. Fletcher - https://vivo.ufl.edu/display/n11658
How You Can Help:
Connect with UF/IFAS through social media networks – Help us share the great works, findings, and opportunities from UF/IFAS: https://ifas.ufl.edu/social-media/

Subscribe to the UF/IFAS Blogs site – Learn what UF/IFAS faculty and staff are doing around the state or subscribe to a particular county’s blog site: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/

Support conservation of our agricultural and natural lands – There are numerous organizations working to support our agricultural and natural lands. Consider finding one whose mission you wish to support.

Participate in conservation work – Find a local organization conducting regular tree plantings, restoration, clean-ups, invasive species removal, etc., and get involved.
Sources for this Episode:
All About Birds – The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snail_Kite/overview
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
20 min
February 22, 2022Words Matter: When and How to Use the Words Invasive Species
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 impacts of invasive plants in Florida through the exchange of scientific, educational, and technical information - https://floridainvasivespecies.org/

Watch a webinar on proper terminology (Designed for practitioners) https://ufl.zoom.us/rec/share/44S0gD4WDRW8Kd_iAl_RXGN5WQtde3BuIxKBOMpzZCYtMZ60-aQ79uGhUbX0PhE6.7fADGgWMwrlZqruO (Taught by Shannon)
How You Can Help:
Research plants before you buy them! – Check the IFAS Assessment: https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/

Research permit requirements for nonnative wildlife and reptiles - https://myfwc.com/license/captive-wildlife/ and https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/rule-development/

Remove invasive species from your yard - Contact your local extension office for help: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

Report sightings of nonnative plants and wildlife online or via smartphone app: https://www.eddmaps.org/

Report sightings of high-priority nonnative reptiles- (Examples of high-priority nonnative reptiles are nonnative snakes of any species, tegus, monitor lizards) Contact FWC's invasive species hotline at 1-888-483-4681 or online at [email protected] (include photos!)
Sources for this Episode:
UF/IFAS EDIS Publication, "Standardized Invasive Species Terminology for Effective Outreach Education" (Shannon is a co-author!) - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FR/FR439/FR439-Dsr1ns611r.pdf

Journal of Extension, "Invasive Species Terminology: Standardizing for Stakeholder Education" (Shannon is a co-author!) - https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol58/iss3/27/#.YhZAiDBNQi0.link

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission websites: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations
22 min
January 25, 2022Is It Getting Hotter in Our Cities? It's the Urban Heat Island Effect!
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.epa.gov/heatislands/learn-about-heat-islands

Planting Trees for Energy Savings - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/landscaping-for-specific-sites/planting-trees-for-energy-savings.html

Public health benefits of urban trees: https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/Public_Health_Benefits_Urban_Trees_FINAL.pdf
How You Can Help:
Plant a tree – Planting trees that shade west and east-facing walls will help to keep your house cool during summer, but make sure to do your research so you plant the right tree in the right place. Find your local Extension office here: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/ OR read information on planting trees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf%5CEP%5CEP31400.pdf

Support green infrastructure - Let your city or town know that you value a greener city. Talk to commissioners, speak at meetings, and let your thoughts be heard! You can learn more about green infrastructure and its potential impact on your local built environment, HERE: https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/videos/low-impact-development/ OR http://www.pinellascounty.org/publicworks/pdf/green-infrastructure.pdf

Encourage neighbors, family, friends, and local governments to keep current trees intact - Large, mature trees provide significant pollution removal among many other ecosystem services including mental and physical health benefits.
Sources for this Episode:
Air Pollution Removal and Temperature Reductions by Gainesville’s Urban Forest - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FR/FR27800.pdf

T. Chakraborty, X. Lee, "A simplified urban-extent algorithm to characterize surface urban heat islands on a global scale and examine vegetation control on their spatiotemporal variability", International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation. 74, 269-280, 2019.

Volatile trees - https://earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/sensing-our-planet/volatile-trees

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
19 min
December 21, 2021American White Pelicans, Florida's Other Snowbird
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/polkco/2017/11/22/american-white-pelicans-floridas-other-snowbird/

Learn about feather adaptations birds have in "Bird Feathers: A Guide to North American Species" by S. David Scott, and Casey McFarland, https://www.google.com/books/edition/Bird_Feathers/LhdExsnFNKIC?hl=en&gbpv=0 The black flight feathers described by Lara are included on pages 35-38.
How You Can Help:
Resist the urge to feed Florida's waterbirds
Read more about why, here: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW193
Resist the urge to scare a flock into flight while enjoying Florida's waterways
American White Pelicans are very shy, compared to other water birds. Harassment of their flocks may lead them to abandon a feeding area, increasing their risk of exhaustion or starvation during their migration. So, consider avoiding flocks you may encounter on our beautiful waterways, give them a wide berth.
Encourage your local government to support the protection and restoration of Florida's wetlands and waterways
American white pelicans and other migratory waterbirds in Florida, such as ducks, depend on healthy aquatic ecosystems with ample vegetation, prey items, and good water quality.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations
24 min