UF/IFAS News Digest, Week of Oct. 14: Mental health tips; Hidden termites; The benefits of native plants

For the week beginning Oct. 14, 2024

TIMELY NEWS University of Florida offices are closed, and classes are suspended Friday as UF celebrates Homecoming, but here's some news you can use, including a Q&A with a licensed psychologist sharing tips about managing mental health after back-to-back hurricanes. Need an expert? Contact us.

Recent research, programs, events and more. We can help you cover and localize news to your area; just use the contact links below or reply to this email.

‘Cutting-edge science’ from UF/IFAS Extension helps farmer preserve water, other parts of his ecosystem The appearance of a noxious weed on one Florida family's cattle land about 10 years ago ultimately led to a relationship with UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County that includes preserving water quality and other environmental stewardship. Contact >

Fallen trees can reveal hidden termites: UF/IFAS expert offers identification and prevention resources As Floridians begin to work on recovery efforts from the destruction caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, many are dealing with fallen trees that have damaged their property. For some, the situation is even worse due to an unexpected culprit: termites. Contact >

En Español: Árboles caídos revelan termitas ocultas, expertos de UF/IFAS brindan recursos para identificar y prevenir daños futuros                                                                                     Contacto>

UF study: Native plants outperform non-native species for growth and floral abundance If you want more reasons to plant native species, here’s new evidence from University of Florida research: Native plants outperform non-native ones in growth and floral abundance, thriving better under both full and partial irrigation. Contact >

UF/IFAS, Miami-Dade FNGLA chapter to honor South Florida horticulture pioneers John DeMott and Charles Buster The Miami-Dade County Chapter of the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) will dedicate the “Charles S. Buster and John C. DeMott Greenhouse” at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead Oct. 24. Contact >

UF to break ground on new ag, engineering building The University of Florida is slated to begin construction on a dynamic new learning space serving the department of agricultural and biological engineering (ABE) by the end of the year. The W.W. Glenn Teaching Building will be erected adjacent to the existing ABE facilities, on Museum Drive across from the Katie Seashole Pressly softball stadium. Contact >

UF study demonstrates role of public participation in environmental policy decision-making As updates to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) usher in a new era requiring inclusive environmental reviews with robust public engagement, a new University of Florida study unveils a significant rise in the use of citizen science data within across the United States. Contact >

Media Alert: Florida agricultural sector asked to share impacts of Hurricane Milton UF/IFAS requests agricultural producers affected by Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm that came ashore near Siesta Key on Oct. 9, to complete the UF/IFAS EIAP survey on agricultural losses and damages. The survey is part of on-going UF/IFAS research tracking the effects of severe weather and other hazards on the state’s agricultural industry. Contact >

En Español: Alerta de prensa: Se solicita al sector agrícola de Florida que reporte los impactos del huracán Milton                                                                                   Contacto>

From Around IFAS News from across the UF/IFAS network.

Weekly “What is it?”: Snake eel While we have luckily avoided direct impacts from recent hurricanes Helene and Milton in northwest Florida, we still felt their massive size and power. These storms whipped up the entire Gulf of Mexico, pushing creatures rarely seen above water onto the beaches.

Flood recovery for edible gardens With hurricane season in full swing and storms bringing wind and flooding across the state, Extension Hillsborough County ornamental horticulture assistant Kaleena Davis presents necessary steps for rebuilding beautiful gardens safely following a flood.

Eyes on Seagrass Blitz in the Indian River Lagoon Do you spend time out on the Indian River Lagoon?  Whether you are a fisher spending time out on your boat or a kayaker who enjoyed paddling the lagoon, if you are out on the water, you can contribute to the Eyes on Seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon Blitz!

Best of the rest. Alternative story formats created or supported by UF/IFAS Communications.

New from the IFAS Bookstore: Urban Ecology for Citizens and Planners Urban areas don’t have to be concrete jungles. In Urban Ecology for Citizens and Planners, UF’s Gail Hansen and urban planning expert Joseli Macedo show how city planners, developers and residents can incorporate nature into urban spaces, making cities more sustainable and livable.

Video Stories: Along came a spider In the October edition of the UF/IFAS Extension Calendar, Adam Dale, entomology Extension specialist with the UF/IFAS department of entomology and nematology, discusses insects and their benefits.

Visual Learning: Clickbait October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Learn more about clickbait, a marketing and engagement strategy designed to encourage readers to click on a headline. Oftentimes, headlines are misleading and/or exaggerated. Download >  |  More infographics >  |  Contact >

Visit the UF/IFAS Newsroom Find B-roll, photos and more for your coverage needs at ifas.ufl.edu/newsroom.

UF/IFAS Communications News and Media Relations Team

Designed with Beefree

http://live.oysterradio.com/