The tung oil tree (Vernicia fordii) is an EPPC II invasive that is relatively common throughout the northern half of Florida. It is a medium sized deciduous tree with a latex like sticky sap.
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Yellow fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris) is a Threatened (State) species that occurs occasionally throughout most of the northern half of the State.
Tar Flower (Bejaria racemosa, FAC) is the only species in it's family. We often find it alongside saw palmetto and gallberry in pinelands throughout Florida .
Probably the worst thing we have to deal with in central Florida: Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia). If allowed to take hold, it can quickly choke out just about everything, leaving an impenetrable mess of little value for wildlife.
We've likely all seen headlines like this recent AP article: "Trump's move to redefine water rule threatens wetlands banks". Luckily for Floridians, our State long ago adopted more restrictive environmental policies than what the Federal laws provide. Therefore, unless there is a major peeling away of the State of Florida's right to do so or the will of Floridians, we should be OK.
However, many other States are not so lucky and still use the Federal wetland system. Administrator Pruitt is being disingenuous when he says that "prairie puddles" are being claimed as Federal waters. The current Federal system requires wetlands to have "significant nexus" with a navigable waterway to be claimed as such. A "dry creek bed" could certainly meet this definition, as many connect directly with larger water bodies; but a puddle would not. Wetlands are crucial components to our ecosystem. They filter away pollutants, allow for flood control, and provide essential habitat for most species. Relaxing the rules on protecting them is certainly a step in the wrong direction. Given the current conditions of most of our water bodies, I believe we should doing more. https://apnews.com/0198a1bd090944df836a4d97e8fd087b Here's a post for the golf fans who watched The Masters, and lovers of wildflowers in general.
Every spring, Florida's flatwoods and mesic uplands are ablaze with blooms of our wild azaleas. These beauties are transplants from a stream restoration project a few years back (they were to be dug up to widen the floodplain and create additional meanders in a deeply incised stream channel). So, next spring, locate some acidic soil using the NRCS web soil survey, make your way to the woods, and enjoy the sights. While you're there, keep an eye out for some flowering wild blueberries. If you find a patch, make a return visit in early summer for a taste treat. We're developing a product line of Pond Management Services where we improve vegetation and water quality conditions to restore recreational opportunities and grow bigger, healthier fish. This initial video series is three parts; Assessing Conditions, Clean Out, and Secondary Herbicide Application. Look out for additional videos to come as we take you through the process of restoring a pond to it's former glory.
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Scott BlanfordCOO Verde Environmental Archives
September 2020
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