UF/IFAS News: Citizen Science Month sources, Florida's Asian swamp eel problem, and more

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For the week beginning April 6, 2026

TIMELY NEWS April is Citizen Science Month, highlighting how Floridians can support research, satisfy their curiosity about nature and make an impact on biodiversity. Looking for literature?  Ask IFAS connects the public with ways to participate, explains how observations contribute to scientific data and more. Looking to get involved? Connect with your local UF/IFAS Extension office to see what's on tap. Opportunities can range from reporting invasive species and monitoring pollinators to identifying plants and sharing what you see. Have questions about stories, or need an expert? Just ask! 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.

UF scientists call on the public to help track elusive Asian swamp eels University of Florida researchers are urging South Floridians to help stop the spread of an invasive fish now secretly moving through canals, marshes and wetlands across the region’s most vulnerable environments.  April marks Citizen Science Month, and researchers say public participation is critical to detecting this hard-to-find species before it becomes more widespread. Contact >

EN ESPAÑOL: Conviértase en un detector de especies invasoras y ayude a los científicos de UF a localizar la esquiva anguila asiática de pantano. Contacto >

Media Alert: Join as UF/IFAS Natural Resources Leadership Institute recognizes graduates of Class 25 UF/IFAS invites media to the Natural Resources Leadership Institute’s Class 25 Graduation Banquet on April 18 at the Cade Museum in Gainesville. The event will recognize fellows completing eight months of leadership training focused on collaborative decision‑making for complex natural resource issues statewide. Contact >

UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering ranked No. 6 by U.S. News & World Report The UF/IFAS ABE graduate program ranked No. 6 among agricultural and biological engineering graduate programs. Students can earn graduate degrees through the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences or the UF Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.  Contact >

UF researcher looks to genetics to rein in wasteful strawberry runners Strawberry growers pour roughly $130 million a year, nationally, into a surprisingly stubborn problem: a part of the plant that sabotages fruit production. These fast-growing offshoots – called “runners” – stretch out from the mother plant like botanical escape artists, siphoning energy that would otherwise go into plump, market-ready berries. Contact >

Study uses AI, citizen science to show perceptions of access to Broward County parks A new study from the University of Florida paired artificial intelligence and citizen science to measure whether parks in Broward County provide access and the same experiences across communities. Contact >

UF/IFAS Extension Natural Resources Leadership Institute names permanent director Just as this year’s Class 25 Fellows graduate, the UF/IFAS Extension Natural Resources Leadership Institute (NRLI) has more to celebrate as Joy Hazell is named permanent director after spending more than a year as interim.   Contact >

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

Map Quest: Scallop Habitats registration now open through 4-H The UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences is partnering with Hillsborough and Pinellas counties extension offices to bring you Map Quest: Scallop Habitats.This immersive, science-based adventure is being offered to high school students or 4-H seniors through the generous support of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Bay Mini-Grants.

Food is Medicine: Iron-rich foods that fight fatigue and boost energy Do you feel sluggish in the morning or afternoon, even after a full night’s sleep? Fatigue could be your body’s way of asking for more iron. Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce energy and remain focused. You can boost your iron levels through consuming everyday foods.

Spring caterpillars are back: Some can cause health issues It’s officially spring, and almost like clockwork, several seasonal caterpillars have begun to emerge from our trees…and may have found their way onto our walls, benches, and well, just about everywhere. While their presence may be a nuisance to some, these caterpillars are (mostly) harmless and serve as an important food source for birds, bats, lizards, and other animals.

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

Our blogs share knowledge: Meet the tiny river hero with a big story Meet Marty the Mussel and explore life beneath the riverbed. This engaging children’s book introduces freshwater ecosystems, water quality and a growing environmental challenge through a story kids can follow. Available now at the UF/IFAS bookstore.

Video stories: Florida Sea Grant safety tips during rip current season  Rip currents pose the greatest danger on Florida's beaches, especially during peak season from spring through summer, March to September. This Florida Sea Grant video explains how to recognize and escape rip currents, understand beach warning flags, supervise children, protect against the sun and practice simple steps for a safe, worry‑free beach visit.

Visual learning: Identifying Venomous Snakes of Southwest Florida                 The warmer spring weather means more outdoor activities for Floridians and native venomous snakes. This infographic offers key tips to help you identify them if you live on the Gulf Coast. Download >  |  More infographics >  |  Contact >

EN ESPAÑOL: Identificando las serpientes venenosas. Use este enlace para acceder al contenido > Contacto >

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

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