Naturally Florida

By Shannon Carnevale and Lara MilliganScience Nature

Naturally Florida episodes

November 23, 2021Florida on Fire: Prescribed Fire in the Sunshine State
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) - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR173
How You Can Help:
Consider Creating a Firewise Landscape -
These documents outline actions homeowners can take to better prepare their landscape for a possible wildfire:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR076

https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/For-Communities/Firewise-USA/Create-Defensible-Space-Around-Homes

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR334

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR147

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR151
Support Prescribed Burning Programs –
These resources outline prescribed burning efforts throughout Florida:
https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Prescribed-Fire

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/habitat/prescribed-fire/
Sources for this Episode:
Gopher Frogs, Burrows, and Fire: Interactions in the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW295

Effects of fire history, tree age, and canopy seed bank size on serotiny of Ocala sand pine (Pinus clausa var. clausa) in Florida scrub - https://www.jstor.org/stable/26477959

Chapter 9 – Ecological Effects - https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/39688/file/pft_chapter_09_ecological_effects.pdf
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
November 12, 2021 Annual Survey - We need your help!
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 take? Have you talked about peacefully co-existing with wildlife with a friend or family member?
We want to hear about it!
Fill out our SUPER SHORT survey, here: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEf5YoxkFv87GIu
Thank you so much for your curiosity, your interest, your passion for Florida's wild spaces, and for listening to Naturally Florida.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/naturallyflorida/message
3 min
October 20, 2021Birds and Their Houses: Cavity Nesters in Florida
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.ufl.edu/publication/UW058

All About Birdhouses: Next Box Placement - https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/nest-box-placement/

Bird Buddies - http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2021/10/11/bird-buddies/
How You Can Help:
Provide snags – Snags are standing dead trees, and they provide excellent natural habitat for cavity nesters. Primary cavity nesters, like woodpeckers will seek out dying trees to excavate as this wood is usually softer and easier to chip away.

Build or install an artificial nest box – It’s important to build the right house for the right bird. There are many factors to consider when constructing a nest box. Be sure to check out our blog for more details.

Provide other forms of shelter – Native plants of various heights provide excellent cover for birds and other wildlife species, plus they provide an excellent source of food.
Sources for this Episode:
Bird sounds by Brian Henderson, XC457516. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/457516

Helping Cavity-Nesters in Florida - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW058

“The Sibley Guide to Birds” by David Allen Sibley

“A Birder’s Guide to Pinellas County (Florida)” by Ron Smith

All About Birdhouses: Next Box Placement - https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/nest-box-placement/

Predator Guards Carry Their Weight - https://nestwatch.org/connect/blog/predator-guards-carry-their-weight/
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
September 20, 2021(Part 2) Florida's Most Recognizable Reptile: the American Alligator
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 alligators, intentionally or not, please consider reporting it to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). You will not get anyone in trouble! The 1st offense is a warning and education visit. Call the wildlife alert hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cell phone users in Florida can dial *FWC or #FWC, depending on the service provider.
Sources for this Episode:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Human-Alligator Incidents Fact Sheet (Updated April 2019). https://myfwc.com/media/1776/human-alligatorincidentfactsheet.pdf

Ober, et al., Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Alligators. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw393

Swiman, et al., Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw230

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/snap/

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Alligator Management Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/

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
18 min
September 20, 2021(Part 1) Florida's Most Recognizable Reptile: the American Alligator
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: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw230

Information on alligator hunting in Florida (FWC) - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/harvest/hunt-guide/
How You Can Help:
Never feed an alligator - If you suspect anyone of feeding alligators, intentionally or not, please consider reporting it to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). You will not get anyone in trouble! The 1st offense is a warning and education visit. Call the wildlife alert hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cell phone users in Florida can dial *FWC or #FWC, depending on the service provider.
Sources for this Episode:
Ober, et al., Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Alligators. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw393

Swiman, et al., Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw230

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/snap/

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Alligator Management Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/

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
16 min
August 24, 2021Trees and People: An intro to urban forestry
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

Economic Contributions of Urban Forestry in Florida in 2017 -
https://fred.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/economic-impact-analysis-program/publications/2017-urban-forestry-in-florida/

Wind and Trees: Lessons Learned from Hurricanes (Mentioned by Shannon) - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR173
How You Can Help:
Explore The Value of Trees in Your Yard or Neighborhood - If you know what type of tree(s) you have in your yard or neighborhood, consider calculating their value using the Tree Benefits calculator found at www.treebenefits.com.

Plant A Tree – This document can help you select which tree you are going to plant and where: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/planting-and-establishing-trees.html
Sources for this Episode:
History of State Lands - https://floridadep.gov/lands/lands-director/content/history-state-lands

Florida Land Use and Land Cover Change in the Past 100 Years - https://floridaclimateinstitute.org/docs/climatebook/Ch02-Volk.pdf

Urban forests and pollution mitigation: analyzing ecosystem services and disservices - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749111000327?via%3Dihub

City of Tampa Urban Ecological Analysis - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR265

Defining urban forestry – A comparative perspective of North America and Europe - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1618866705000464?via%3Dihub

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
July 15, 2021Cuban Treefrogs, they're more than just a nuisance!
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 identification: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/UW/UW25900.pdf

Learn about treefrog calls for species near you! https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup
How You Can Help:
Report Cuban treefrog sightings in FL's panhandle to Dr. Steve Johnson's lab: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/citizen_sci.shtml

Remove Cuban treefrogs from your yard or neighborhood: First, properly identify and and capture the Cuban treefrog. The easiest way to humanely euthanize a Cuban treefrog is to place the bagged frog into a refrigerator for 3–4 hours then transfer it to a freezer for an additional 24 hours. Then, move the frozen, now dead treefrog, to the trashcan. (excerpt from EDIS document, below)
Sources for this Episode:
Johnson, S. (2017). The Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida. University of of Florida IFAS Extension EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw259

Kenneth G Rice, J. Hardin Waddle, Mark W Miller, Marquette E Crockett, Frank J Mazzotti, H. Franklin Percival. Recovery of Native Treefrogs After Removal of Nonindigenous Cuban Treefrogs, Osteopilus septentrionalis. Herpetologica 1 June 2011; 67 (2): 105–117. doi: https://doi.org/10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-10-00020.1

Jones, P. (2019). Expert explains key role of frogs in healthy ecosystems. University of New South Wales. Accessed via https://phys.org at https://phys.org/news/2019-03-expert-key-role-frogs-healthy.html

Treefrog calls and sound clips were sourced from USGS's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup
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
June 21, 2021Wait, we have fireflies in Florida?
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 US and Canada: https://xerces.org/blog/status-of-fireflies-in-the-united-states-and-canada
How You Can Help:
Add habitat to your yard or neighborhood. Consider adding native shrubs or small trees and changing part of your yard from lawn to Florida-Friendly Landscaping to provide habitat for a variety of small critters. Learn more here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2021/06/12/how-to-create-a-firefly-oasis/

Help us document their presence. You don't need to identify species with a microscope to help, consider submitting citizen science reports to Firefly Watch! You can learn more here: https://www.massaudubon.org/get-involved/community-science/firefly-watch/getting-started
Sources for this Episode:
Faust, L. (2017). Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs. University of Georgia Press. 39-168 Available nationwide at a book retailer near you!

The National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Fireflies. https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Fireflies

Firefly Conservation Research. (2021). Disappearing Fireflies. https://www.firefly.org/why-arefireflies-disappearing.html

University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). How to Attract Fireflies for Homeowners. http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/images/fireflies-graphic.pdf
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
18 min
June 21, 2021Where does rain go after it falls?
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/share/YLiCkb4lZvEE7hR3810rIXTw9usnN6S_BOONVxp1Jca4k1bWLQuLcuQ11IKwKV0f.e5dAWjiCRRgr3dFs?startTime=1621360728000
How You Can Help:
Don't let your runoff, runoff! Keeping rainwater in your yard will help improve water quality and help recharge our aquifers. Learn more about what you can to do improve water quality in your neighborhood: https://www.sfwmd.gov/community-residents/what-can-you-do

Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office. Your local extension office will have resources and experts that can help you design a rain garden, talk about rain barrels, or share how to transition to Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Find your local office, here: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/
Sources for this Episode:
2020 Integrated Water Quality Assessment for Florida, June 2020: 2020 Integrated Water Quality Assessment for Florida: Sections 303(d), 305(b), and 314 Report and Listing Update (floridadep.gov)
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
June 21, 2021Lara's Favorite Species: The Green Anole
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
How You Can Help:
Help us document their populations! If you see a green anole in your yard or while out in one of Florida's many natural areas, snap a picture with your smartphone and upload it to iNaturalist.org.

Add habitat to your yard or neighborhood. Consider adding native shrubs or small trees and changing part of your yard from lawn to Florida-Friendly Landscaping to provide habitat for a variety of small critters. Learn more here: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-5-attract-wildlife/
Sources for this Episode:
Invader Updater: Cuban Brown Anole, UF Wildlife Department (2011) https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/InvaderUpdater/pdfs/InvaderUpdater_Winter2011.pdf

Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis), Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (n.d.) https://srelherp.uga.edu/lizards/anocar.htm

Analysis of the effects of an exotic lizard on a native lizard in Florida ..., University of Tennessee (2000) https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/4722/

Florida Lizards are Evolving, Fast, Science Connected (2014) https://magazine.scienceconnected.org/2014/10/florida-lizards-evolving-rapidly/

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
18 min