Thursday, June 28, 2012

Calendar — Forestry Webinars Portal

Calendar — Forestry Webinars Portal

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 6/28/12

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: "YOUR BACKYARD WOODS AND WILDLIFE" BOOK NOW AVAILABLE AT UF-IFAS BOOKSTORE
Get your copy of the new book, “Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife: A Handbook for Florida Landowners”.  This is the University of Florida’s first and only book designed for landowners of small properties of 20 acres or less.  The book begins with an introduction to Florida's ecosystems, plants and wildlife, and some basics on how to assess forest health. The second section details some land management strategies, including chapters on
•         Protecting water quality
•         Creating wildlife habitat
•         Protecting your home from wildfire
•         Maintaining and improving forest health
•         Managing for timber, recreation and other enterprises
•         Planning for the future
The third section is an extensive catalog of useful print and online resources.  For landowners interested in managing their land, making back a little money, and/or conserving Florida’s natural resources for future generations, Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife is a great place to start. 
The book is available for sale online and qualifies for quantity discount pricing:
http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1177-your-backyard-woods-and-wildlife-a-handbook-for-florida-landowners.aspx

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MORRILL ACT, BEGINNING OF THE LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
The Morrill Act, passed in 1862, established the land grant university system by which public lands were donated to support colleges, providing citizens greater access to higher education. For more information about this and associated landmark legislation, see http://landgrant.ufl.edu/

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF CHIPMUNK SIGHTINGS
Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are listed as a Species of Special Concern in Florida, and are known locally as ground squirrels. Chipmunks have reddish-brown fur with alternating light and dark stripes along their back. Information on current distribution and abundance are lacking. Your observations can help FWC biologists to evaluate the conservation needs of chipmunks and develop a management plan for keeping their populations healthy. Report sightins here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Questions? Please contact Chris Winchester (Chris.Winchester@MyFWC.com)

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FL
Early registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING
Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu).  If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup.  Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level).  We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law.  We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

LEON COUNTY EXTENSION ANNOUNCES PERMACULTURE COURSES - SUMMER QUARTER
See the course flyer at:http://leon.ifas.ufl.edu/Flyer_Permaculture%20Course%202012_ver3.pdf. To register, contact Genice Harris at (850) 606-5202, or Will Sheftall at Sheftallw@leoncountyfl.gov

WANT TO SUPPORT FLORIDA'S FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM?
Your contribution will help support Forest Stewardship Program outreach events across Florida. More information

ONLINE EVENTS / EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/events_calendar/online_events.html

Thursday, June 14, 2012

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 6/14/12

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: "YOUR BACKYARD WOODS AND WILDLIFE" BOOK NOW AVAILABLE AT UF-IFAS BOOKSTORE
Get your copy of the new book, “Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife: A Handbook for Florida Landowners”.  This is the University of Florida’s first and only book designed for landowners of small properties of 20 acres or less.  The book begins with an introduction to Florida's ecosystems, plants and wildlife, and some basics on how to assess forest health. The second section details some land management strategies, including chapters on:

•         Protecting water quality
•         Creating and enhancing wildlife habitat
•         Protecting your home from wildfire
•         Maintaining and improving forest health
•         Managing for timber, recreation and other enterprises
•         Planning for the future

The third section is an extensive catalog of useful print and online resources.  For landowners interested in managing their land, making back a little money, and/or conserving Florida’s natural resources for future generations, Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife is a great place to start. 
The book is available for sale online and qualifies for quantity discount pricing:
http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1177-your-backyard-woods-and-wildlife-a-handbook-for-florida-landowners.aspx

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MORRILL ACT, BEGINNING OF THE LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
The Morrill Act, passed in 1862, establised the land grant university system by which public lands were donated to support colleges, providing citizens greater access to higher education. For more information about this and associated landmark legislation, see http://landgrant.ufl.edu/

2012 SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE FORECAST
By Chris Pearce, Florida Forest Service

The results of the 2012 survey indicate that SPB populations are low at all but one trap location in St. Johns County and suggest that the risk of widespread SPB infestations in the majority of the surveyed counties is low. Full report (pdf)

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FL
Early registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING
Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu).  If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup.  Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level).  We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law.  We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

LEON COUNTY EXTENSION ANNOUNCES PERMACULTURE COURSES - SUMMER QUARTER 
See the course flyer at:http://leon.ifas.ufl.edu/Flyer_Permaculture%20Course%202012_ver3.pdf. To register, contact Genice Harris at (850) 606-5202, or Will Sheftall at Sheftallw@leoncountyfl.gov

WANT TO SUPPORT FLORIDA'S FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM?
Your contribution will help support Forest Stewardship Program outreach events across Florida. More information

ONLINE EVENTS / EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/events_calendar/online_events.html

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 6/5/12

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MORRILL ACT, BEGINNING OF THE LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
The Morrill Act, passed in 1862, establised the land grant university system by which public lands were donated to support colleges, providing citizens greater access to higher education. For more information about this and associated landmark legislation, see http://landgrant.ufl.edu/

2012 SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE FORECAST
By Chris Pearce, Florida Forest Service
A pheromone trap survey was conducted in March 2012 as part of an ongoing program to monitor the populations of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) and its associated predators.  The purpose is to provide an early-season prediction of the potential level of SPB activity in select Florida counties, and identify areas which may be at increased risk for an outbreak.  The results of the 2012 survey indicate that SPB populations are low at all but one trap location in St. Johns County and suggest that the risk of widespread SPB infestations in the majority of the surveyed counties is low. Full report (pdf)

LADY LANDOWNERS, NEW RESOURCES FOR YOU AT THE NATIONAL WOMEN OWNING WOODLANDS WEB PROJECT
A collaboration of the National Woodland Owners Association and the USDA Forest Service, the Women Owning Woodlands web project strives to bring topical, accessible, and current forestry information to woodland owners and forest practitioners through news articles, blogs, events, resources, and personal stories. We support women in forest leadership, women who manage their own woodlands, and all who facilitate the stewardship of forests. Learn More.

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FL
Register now for this great event! An annual tradition, this event provides farmers with up-to-date, research-based, in-depth educational information. The conference aims to facilitate solutions-based collaboration by encouraging networking and an open dialog among members of Florida’s small farms community. Additionally, the conference is an excellent vehicle for increasing awareness of Florida’s small farms industry, which organizers accomplish by including participation from decision makers and supporting institutions, and partners from the public sector. Early registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING
Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu).  If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup.  Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level).  We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law.  We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

LEON COUNTY EXTENSION ANNOUNCES PERMACULTURE COURSES - SUMMER QUARTER
See the course flyer at:http://leon.ifas.ufl.edu/Flyer_Permaculture%20Course%202012_ver3.pdf. To register, contact Genice Harris at (850) 606-5202, or Will Sheftall at Sheftallw@leoncountyfl.gov

WANT TO SUPPORT FLORIDA'S FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM?
Your contribution will help support Forest Stewardship Program outreach events across Florida. More information

ONLINE EVENTS / EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/events_calendar/online_events.html

WANT TO CUT BACK ON PAPER MAIL?
If you receive the Florida Land Steward Newsletter by mail and prefer to get the publication online via a link provided in regular email updates, let us know. Contact Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375.