University of Florida School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

Trade in those hiking boots for sneakers and get your run on. Registration ends on October 24, so reserve your spot ASAP! bit.ly/Flatwoods5k2023

Thanks WUFT News reporters Bernardo Montas and Nicole Beltran for covering important topics such as climate action and forest restoration. FFGS experts interviewed included Dr. Michael Andreu, Dr. Jiri Hulcr, Dr. Rosvel Bracho, and Florida Land Steward program Director Chris Demers. We are grateful for the chance to share the facts and latest research.

Ever wonder what lives in our waters? Join us on Saturday, Sept. 14th for an exciting morning of hands-on exploration and meet fascinating pond creatures at Aquatic Ecology Family Fishing Day! Visit an interactive education booth displaying a collection of live aquatic invertebrates and plants. Use nets and fishing poles to explore the ponds and catch your own fish and invertebrates. Biologists and volunteers will be on hand to offer fishing tips, identify your catch, and discuss their unique characteristics and ecology. The first 30 families to register at the event receive a special gift! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eu7NsiGz

-------We need 4-H Ecology Clinic volunteers at ACF on Sept. 28------- Want to pass on your passion for Forestry and Natural Resources as a mentor of youth at the Florida 4-H Forest Ecology Clinic held on Sept. 28 at Austin Cary Forest? The clinic is an opportunity for 4-H youth to learn from experts and practice and apply knowledge and skills in tree and wildlife identification. Participants will be trained on using a map and compass, identifying insects, diseases, and stresses that impact forest health; and more! The event will prepare participants for the 4-H Forest Ecology Contest on March 29, 2025. We need volunteers for the maps station, group leaders and check-in/general volunteers. The clinic happens at ACF from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 28, 2024. Contact Leah Glynn, [email protected] if you would like to help. Lunch is provided for volunteers! Learn more about the contest here: https://lnkd.in/ekDKf9GB

Way to go FFGS alumni Senior Foresters Zach Butler and Jared Beauchamp who were recognized with the Florida Forestry Association's “Above and Beyond Award” for their work with landowners following Hurricane Idalia’s impact on Florida in 2023. Zach oversees Madison County, while Jared supervises Dixie, Lafayette, and Taylor counties. Hurricane Idalia caused an estimated $450 million in losses and damage to Florida agriculture, including $64.7 million in timber damages. The Association’s Above and Beyond award recognizes those who can usually be found going the extra mile… those who become the “go-to” person in any group they join… those whose service and commitment to the Association is always a step beyond what is expected. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, President of Florida Forestry Association Avery Roberts, Florida State Forester Rick Dolan, and their supervisor Forestry District Manager Eric Black congratulated the foresters on August 29, 2024, during the final day of the Florida Forestry Association’s 2024 annual meeting in Amelia Island. #DixieCounty #LafayetteCounty #MadisonCounty #TaylorCounty #GoGators #FloridaForestryAssociation #AboveAndBeyond

The detective work begins at UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest as Dendrology and Forest Plants (FNR 3131C) students learn from Dr. Michael Andreu how to identify trees and plant species. From leaf shape, arrangement, bark texture, habitat, and even smell, the identification process requires all of the senses. FFGS alumni who have taken the capstone course, what advice do you have for students? About the course: https://lnkd.in/gN-93Qif

FFGS Student Orlando Gonzalez Pollo deployed to Live Oak, FL in response to the flooding and damages caused by Hurricane Debby. He currently works as an information technology specialist for the Geospatial Solutions Division of Miami-Dade County while pursuing his degree in geomatics with a specialization in surveying and mapping. Read how Pollo helped out FEMA, the National Guard and local agencies during the recovery effort: https://lnkd.in/exRNehci

Now hiring: ENTOMOLOGY AND BIOSECURITY SYNTHESIS POSTDOC The UF Forest Entomology Lab is looking for a “writing” post-doc focused on entomology and biosecurity. The ideal applicant will have a track record of effective synthesis of scientific literature. Preferred skills include understanding of the biology of wood-boring insects and knowledge on USDA-APHIS regulatory language. https://lnkd.in/dgqzYA4v

Clam farmers off the coast of Cedar Key started checking their crops on August 14, 2024 a week after Hurricane Debby swept through on its way up the coast. In response to the extreme weather event, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services temporarily closed farm sections to allow for analysis of damages. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, shellfish farming was the second highest valued aquaculture product in Florida in 2022, bringing in $53.3 million in agriculture value. To date, there are more than 700 shellfish leases covering more than 2,500 acres in Florida. For more information about Shellfish Aquaculture click here: https://lnkd.in/ew7sPU_s

Florida Land Steward Update, August 16, 2024 In this issue: A New Tool Helps to Prioritize Invasive Species Management Efforts, Conservation Easements Save Ag Lands and Wildlife, Meet the Panhandle Extension Forester – Ian Stone, R.F., Remembering Bob Simons, Sign up for Florida Land Steward Email Updates, Timber Price Update, Certified Landowners.