2012 small farms conference website is now live

Just a quick note that the website is live: www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms

 

 

Nitrogen Management Workshop is Next Week

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

 

Integrating Nitrogen Management with Planning - A Workshop   Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and Tampa Bay Estuary Program hosts an important workshop next Wednesday, February 1st. Interested in policy development, land use planning, land development codes, or other aspects that are essential to Integrating Nitrogen Management with Planning?   Please join us for this initial workshop to learn about the responsibilities of each local government, point source and MS4 permit holder within the Tampa Bay watershed regarding nitrogen limitations, and to discuss how best to meet those responsibilities through planning.   Let us know that you will be attending! RSVP to: Suzanne Cooper, TBRPC, at suzanne@tbrpc.org or 727-570-5151 x 32

 

SAVE THIS DATE: February 20th Mtg of SWFSFN

Hello members & supporters of the SW FL Small Farmer Network (SWFSFN)!   I am very pleased to send you this announcement and invitation to the next meeting of SWFSFN on February 20, 2012.  Following up our very successful December 12th meeting at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast REC in Balm, we are continuing to provide you another opportunity for an event to support your sustainable, small farming in SW FL.  This meeting  will be hosted by Karen Fraley and Danny Smith of the FL West Coast RC&D and the Gamble Creek Farm at 14950 Golf Course Rd., Parish, FL 34219. Many of your will remember that SWFSFN visited the Geraldson Farm of the FL West Coast RC&D in January 2010 – see  http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/AG/ag_photos.shtml. Gamble Creek Farm is the sister farm of the Geraldson Farm.  At this farm you will learn about the following production and crop systems: 1) Hydroponic production of strawberry , herbs, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, squash and more. 2) Certified organic field production of heritage tomatoes, okra, eggplant, squash, peppers and more. 3) Automated irrigation using onsite weather station technology, and state of the art tailwater recovery system. 4) CSA marketing 5) Food processing facilities planned for the future For more background information on their operations and directions see their webpage at  http://gamblecreekfarm.org/farm/index.html.   We are sure that you will not want to miss this opportunity for this very worthwhile SWFSFN event and an opportunity for social networking with your fellow small farmers in SW Florida.  Come meet your colleagues who are making our local food systems a reality!   Remember to bring seeds to share for our Seed Swap activity and help promote such collective actions of SWFSFN members.  Finally, we are planning to have another spectacular pot lunch so bring your locally-grown foods prepared with you special recipes for the holiday season! For your reference, here 's our meetings details and agenda: 9:30 to 10:00 am -                registration   10:00 am to 12:00 am -       welcome and presentation -       Overview of the Gamble Creek Farm operations -       Farm tour    12:00 to 1:00 pm -                pot luck lunch & seed swap   1:00 to 2:00 pm -                  growers meeting - introductions & announcements       a)  introduction of county SWFSFN grower leaders                                                              b)  member  reports on 2012 SSAWG conference   2:00 to 3:00 pm -                   a ) Extension county agents reports                                                  b) update of 2012 FL Small Farms conference                                     . . . please, feel free to pass along this announcement to your fellow small farmers who would be interested in our activities.  If they are not familiar with SWFSFN, please, refer them to both our webpage (see http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/AG/swfsfn.shtml) and Yahoo Group (see http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/SW_FL_Small_Farms/) Thanks, Robert Robert A. Kluson, Ph.D. AG/NR Extension Agent UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL  34241 (941) 232-3090; FAX (941) 861-9886 http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu   "There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” . . . Bobby Kennedy

 

 

ARS Newslink

ARS NEWSLINK:
Web links to stories issued January 23-27, 2012 ___________________________________________

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
January 27, 2012
___________________________________________

New forage for rangeland cattle:
Cattle that graze on rangelands in the western United States may soon have a new forage option, thanks to work by a USDA scientist. (1/24) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120124.htm

New plant hardiness zone map released:
The USDA today released the new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM), updating a useful tool for gardeners and researchers for the first time since 1990. (1/25) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120125.htm

Healthy animals report available:
ARS today posted a new issue of Healthy Animals, a quarterly online newsletter that compiles news and expert resources on the health and well-being of agricultural livestock, poultry and fish. (1/26) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120126.htm

New issue of food and nutrition briefs:
Drinking soy milk rather than cow's milk or mother's milk can result in better bones, at least in piglets, according to findings reported in the latest issue of the ARS Food and Nutrition Research Briefs. (1/27) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120127.htm
___________________________________________

Newslink is the weekly e-mail pointer for web links to stories issued by the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

* Send feedback and questions to the ARS News Service at NewsService@ars.usda.gov
* You are subscribed to "Newslink" as mbhenry@ufl.edu.
* To change the address, please notify the ARS News Service at NewsService@ars.usda.gov.
* To unsubscribe, send a blank email to leave-206353-84528.9cd57c6e1af7d57c7b4ca2b2c824e5ca@ls.ars.usda.gov.
* Other ARS news products are available by e-mail. For details about them or to subscribe, please contact the ARS News Service or visit http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/lists.htm.
__________________________________________
ARS News Service, Information Staff, Agricultural Research Service
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Room 1-2251, Beltsville MD 20705-5128 NewsService@ars.usda.gov | www.ars.usda.gov/news Phone (301) 504-1636 | fax (301) 504-1486

ARS Newslink

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
January 27, 2012

___________________________________________

Finding new forages for rangeland cattle:
Cattle that graze on rangelands in the western United States may soon have a new forage option, thanks to work by an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist. (1/24) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120124.htm

USDA unveils new Plant Hardiness Zone Map:
USDA this week released the new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map, updating this useful tool for gardeners and researchers for the first time since 1990, and the new map-jointly developed by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University's PRISM Climate Group-is available online at www.planthardiness.ars.usda.gov. (1/25) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120125.htm

New issue of Healthy Animals now online:
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) this week posted a new issue of Healthy Animals, its quarterly online newsletter that compiles ARS news and expert resources on the health and well-being of agricultural livestock, poultry and fish. (1/26) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120126.htm

ARS issues Food and Nutrition Research Briefs:
Drinking soy milk rather than cow's milk or mother's milk can result in better bones, at least in piglets, according to findings reported in the latest issue of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Food and Nutrition Research Briefs, now available online at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/fnrb0112.htm. (1/27) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120127.htm

___________________________________________

Newslink is the weekly e-mail pointer for web links to stories issued by the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

* Send feedback and questions to the ARS News Service at NewsService@ars.usda.gov
* You are subscribed to "Newslink" as mbhenry@ufl.edu.
* To change the address, please notify the ARS News Service at NewsService@ars.usda.gov.
* To unsubscribe, send a blank email to leave-206356-84528.9cd57c6e1af7d57c7b4ca2b2c824e5ca@ls.ars.usda.gov.
* Other ARS news products are available by e-mail. For details about them or to subscribe, please contact the ARS News Service or visit http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/lists.htm.
__________________________________________
ARS News Service, Information Staff, Agricultural Research Service
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Room 1-2251, Beltsville MD 20705-5128 NewsService@ars.usda.gov | www.ars.usda.gov/news Phone (301) 504-1636 | fax (301) 504-1486

Chemically Speaking - January 2012

Please view the first yearly issue of Chemically Speaking at:

http://pested.ifas.ufl.edu/newsletters/2012-01/Chemically_Speaking_Jan_23_2012.pdf

 

UF Agronomy Dept.

Pesticide Information Office

Eco-Nomic Living Expo Feb 4th

The 5^th Annual Eco-Nomic Living Expo at the Orange County Extension Education Center in Orlando provides educational breakout sessions, demonstrations, and exhibits to teach sustainable living techniques for farm, landscape, home, and health.  Topics include:

 

24 exhibitors, Electric transportation, Community gardens, Ediblelandscapes, Aquaponics, Backyard poultry, Natural pest control, Selling homemade food, Home allergens, Butterfly gardening and much more!  

 

Free and open to the public, Saturday, Feb 4th, 9am -1pm, see attached agenda!

 

 

Orange County Extension Service Website: http://orange.ifas.ufl.edu/

 

Regards,

Richard Tyson, PhD

Orange County Extension Director

6021 S. Conway Rd

Orlando, FL  32812-3604

407-254-9201

rvt@ufl.edu

ProHort Newsletter

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.   GENERAL STANDARDS (CORE) EXAM PREP AND EXAM February 9, 2012 Exam Prep: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Exam: 1:30 - 3:30 pm   The Core exam is a basic examination that includes general knowledge of proper pesticide use and pesticide safety. This exam is required for all licenses that fall under Agricultural and Related Pest Control, Chapter 487, Florida Statutes issued by the Bureau of Compliance Monitoring/Pesticide Certification Section, except organotin antifouling paint pest control, chlorine gas infusion, and sewer root control categories (these category exams include Core questions). This exam in and of itself does not give you a pesticide license, but is required prior to any category license being issued.   A passing score of 70% or better is required.   This exam prep and the exam is based on material from the study manual 'Applying Pesticides Correctly', 7th edition. The manual may be purchased through the UF/IFAS Bookstore by calling 800-226-1764 or the link below:   http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/c-76-study-materials-for-pesticide-applicator-exams.aspx   There may be a limited number of study manuals available at the Extension Service office.   Lunch is included. For more information contact: Susan Haddock Commercial Horticulture/IPM/Small Farms Agent (813)744-5519  ext. 54103 szcrmchz@ufl.edu *|RSS:RECENT|* Our mailing address is: Hillsborough Extension Office 5339 County Rd 579 Seffner, Florida 33584-3334 Copyright (C) 2012 Hillsborough Extension Office All rights reserved. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Sent to mbhenry@ufl.edu — why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences Hillsborough Extension Office · 5339 County Rd 579 · Seffner, Florida 33584-3334

Florida Land Steward Update 1/26/12

 

Can’t read info below? See  http://flsteward.org

Florida Land Steward Update January 26, 2012 Have Land?  Get a Plan and Stay Connected.  http://flsteward.org is your source of assistance, information, events and resources. Events and news just added.  Please share this update with your agents, foresters, biologists, clients, constituents and neighbors. To be added or removed from this service, simply email a request to cdemers@ufl.edu.

The current and back issues of the Florida Forest Steward Newsletter online: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/additional_pages/newsletter.html

** January 27 Small Scale Mushroom Production on Hardwood Logs, Live Oak, FL. For more information, contact Sarah White at sewhite@ufl.edu or (386) 362-1725, ext. 102. See link on event title for details and registration. January 27-28 Agritunity 2012, West Central Florida Agricultural Educational Center, 7620 SR 471, Bushnell, Florida. AGRItunity 2012 is the 6th edition of a regional farm conference and trade show featuring the most current useful information available for farmers and ranchers - large and small. See link on event title for details and registration. January 31 Maryland Forest Stewardship Education Webinar Announcement:  Heating with Wood – Opportunities and Challenges for Homeowners, 12 pm - 1 pm and 7 pm - 8 pm (two identical live broadcasts). To sign up, send an email to listserv@listserv.umd.edu.  In the body of the message, type “SUB FSEWEBINARS” and your name (ex: “SUB FSEWEBINARS John Doe”).  Or, you may contact the Forestry Extension Assistant, Ellen Green (egreen13@umd.edu / (301) 432-2767 x307), to be added. You will be sent the link to the broadcast. February 1 Winter Deciduous Tree ID, Hike at Miccosukee Greenway, 1 – 5 pm, Miccosukee Greenway. Park and meet at east end of Greenway – at parking area on west side of Crump Rd, just north of Crump intersection with Miccosukee Rd. This hike accompanies the indoor lab on Jan 25. Free for City and County staff, greenway volunteers, and UF Extension volunteers (Master Wildlife Conservationists and Master Gardeners), $20 for professionals (materials and CEUs + 6 hours of training); $10 for citizens (materials + 6 hours of training). Contact Genice Harris at (850) 606-5202 or harrisg@leoncountyfl.gov by Mon 19 Jan to register for either or both events, and for CEUs. Register online: http://leonextension2012treeidwinter.eventbrite.com/ February 1 Forestry Webinar: Timber Tax Update for 2011 Tax Filing Season, 12 - 1:30 pm ET, see link for more information and to join webinar. February 4 The 5th Annual Eco-Nomic Living Expo, 9am -1pm at the Orange County Extension Education Center in Orlando provides educational breakout sessions, demonstrations, and exhibits to teach sustainable living techniques for farm, landscape, home, and health.  Topics include electric transportation, community gardens, ediblelandscapes, aquaponics, backyard poultry, natural pest control, selling homemade food, home allergens, butterfly gardening and much more!   Free and open to the public.  See link above for details. February 12 Red Hills Small Farm Alliance Growing Here Workshop: Natural Pest Management, Miccosukee Root Cellar, Leon County. With Trap Crops, Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants = Fewer Pests. Presenters include Neil Miller, entomologist with USDA, and Dr Stuart Reitz entomologist and editor for the Journal of Economic Entomology. Cost is $30 or $80 for all 3 workshops in series. Three ways to register: Download Registration Form here and mail a check. Register with an Alliance Member at any market or through the online market. Email smallfarmalliance@gmail.com for details, although this pretty much has all details. February 14 2012 Florida Berry Expo, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Gulf Coast Research Center. This year’s event will feature a Strawberry Marketing Roundtable, New Variety Tasting and field tours.  Register for free at  http://2012berryexpo.eventbrite.com February 16 Longleaf, Loblolly, and Slash: A Comparison of Southern Pines Workshop, 9 am - 3 pm, Leon County Extension Office, 615 Paul Russell Rd. Tallahassee, FL. Come learn about the 7 pine species native to Florida! Help for landowners making decisions regarding: best species to plant, management for their species, products produced from each species.To pre-register contact (850) 606-5202 or e-mail Genice Harris at Harrisg@leoncountyfl.gov, Cost: $5.00 (includes lunch, snacks, seedlings) February 16 Panhandle Outdoors Live 2012, Chipola River Bluffs & Caverns, Falling Waters. Cost is $30. Contact Matt Orwat (850) 638-6180, mjorwat@ufl.edu for more details. Register online at: http://panhandleoutdoorslive2012.eventbrite.com/ February 17 Forest Stewardship Tour at the McGranahan Tract, Property of Bob and Frances McGranahan, 9 am – 1 pm, ET. Located in McAlpin, FL.  Cost is $10 per person, lunch and materials included. Details and registration at:     http://fsp-tour021712.eventbrite.com/ February 22 Forestry Webinar: Timber Tax Basis , 12 - 1:30 pm ET, see link for more information and to join webinar. February 25 Longleaf Pine Workshop, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, Union County Public Library, 250 SE 5th Ave, Lake Butler, FL. This program is free, lunch included, but space is limited so register now. To register, contact one of these Florida Forest Service contacts: Union County Forester, Jay.Tucker@freshfromflorida.com, (386) 496-2190; Bradford County Forester, Nicole.Howard@freshfromflorida.com, (904) 964-2461; Baker County Forester, Andy.Lamborn@freshfromflorida.com, (904) 259-5128. February 26-29 2012 Southeast Deer Study Group (SEDSG) Meeting, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Sandestin, FL .  This will be the 35th annual meeting of deer biologists, managers, researchers and enthusiasts. See link on event title for details and registration.  February 28-29 Prescribed Fire Techniques for Wildlife: a Training for Private Landowners, UF-IFAS Leon County Extension Office, 615 Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Registration $45, deadline for registration February 20, 2012. Training Participants Qualify for Certified Prescribed Burn Manager CEUs. To view training schedule or to register go to http://www.fltws.org. For more information contact Emma Willcox at (352) 486-5131 or ewillcox@ufl.edu March 2 Forest Stewardship Food Plot Field Day, 9:30 am - 3 pm ET. Blitch Plantation, property of John & Shirley Rudnianyn, Reddick, FL. The September event was so popular we're offering a second. Details and registration online: http://fsp-workshop030212.eventbrite.com/ March 11 Red Hills Small Farm Alliance Growing Here Workshop: Fertility Management, Full Earth Farm, Leon County. Manage fertilty with Compost and Cover Cropping. Presenters will include the Man in Overalls, Nathan Ballantine along with Farmers Aaron Suko and Stewardship Landowner Herman Holley. Cost is $30 or $80 for all 3 workshops in series. Three ways to register: Download Registration Form here and mail a check. Register with an Alliance Member at any market or through the online market. Email smallfarmalliance@gmail.com for details, although this pretty much has all details. March 15 Forest Stewardship Workshop: Grow Timber Revenue, 9 am - 3 pm CT, UF-IFAS Washington County Extension Office, 1424 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, FL 32428. This program will provide guidance on timber management and marketing strategies that can increase returns from harvests, reduce costs and encourage forest management for its many benefits.  Details and registration online:   http://fsp-workshop031512.eventbrite.com/ March 15 Panhandle Outdoors Live 2012, Eglin Air Force Base, Seepage Slopes. Cost is $30. Contact Brooke Saari (850) 689-5850, bsaari@ufl.edu for more details. Register online at: http://panhandleoutdoorslive2012.eventbrite.com/ March 24 Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival, DeLand, FL. For more information, contact David Griffis at 386-822-5778 or dgriffis@co.volusia.fl.us. April 4 Panhandle Outdoors Live 2012, Apalachicola Bluffs, Steepheads & Ravines. Cost is $30. Contact Will Sheftall at (850) 606-5202, sheftall@ufl.edu for more details. Register online at: http://panhandleoutdoorslive2012.eventbrite.com/ April 5 Forest Stewardship Workshop: Grow Timber Revenue, 9 am - 3 pm ET, UF-IFAS Madison County Extension Office, 184 College Loop, Madison, FL 32340. This program will provide guidance on timber management and marketing strategies that can increase returns from harvests, reduce costs and encourage forest management for its many benefits. Details and registration online: http://fsp-workshop040512.eventbrite.com/ April 26 Forest Stewardship Workshop: Grow Timber Revenue, 9 am - 3 pm ET, UF-IFAS Marion County Extension Office, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala, FL 34470. This program will provide guidance on timber management and marketing strategies that can increase returns from harvests, reduce costs and encourage forest management for its many benefits.  Details and registration online:  http://fsp-workshop042612.eventbrite.com/ May 2-4 61st Annual Florida Beef Cattle Short Course, Alto and Patricia Straughn IFAS Extension Professional Development Center 2142 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611. See link on event title for more info. May 7-10 2012 Aquatic Weed Control Short Course, Coral Springs, FL.   Earn up to 20 CEUs and fully re-certify in Florida for Aquatics, Natural Areas, or Right-of-Way. See http://www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aw/ for details and registration. May 11 Panhandle Outdoors Live 2012, Perdido River. Cost is $30. Contact Libby Johnson at (850) 475-5230, libbiej@ufl.edu for more details. Register online at: http://panhandleoutdoorslive2012.eventbrite.com/ June 6 Panhandle Outdoors Live 2012, Navarre Beach & Santa Rosa Sound. Cost is $30. Contact Chris Verlinde at (850) 623-3868, chrismv@ufl.edu for more details. Register online at: http://panhandleoutdoorslive2012.eventbrite.com/ June 14-16 2012 National Tree Farmer Convention, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel. The convention will be include a family and youth program for our next generation of Tree Farmers.  Information on rates, optional tours, field day, and agenda will be posted at www.treefarmsystem.org. **

More events at these calendars: UF-IFAS Web Calendar Florida Forest Stewardship Program Calendar http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.html Florida Master Naturalist Program Florida Forest Service Forestry Calendar Prescribed Fire Training Calendar Check with your UF-IFAS County Extension Office for more events going on in your county: http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/

News & Info Brief UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK ASSISTANCE IN DISCOVERING WHAT COYOTES ARE REALLY EATING Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida.  Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators.  Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida.  We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts.  While we are interested in animals collected year-round, we are particularly interested in animals obtained during June-September.  If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can 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 Since 2006, Leon County Extension faculty and advisory committee members have engaged in study and discussion of climate models predicting amplified climate variability and change (with impacts to plant-available water); of peak oil and net energy decline (with impacts to input-dependent farming); of food security issues driven by the foregoing plus unabated growth in our human population and natural resource demand; all in the shadow of a global financial system vulnerable to disruptions. We think that PERMACULTURE is the right topic for the times, and the course we have designed offers it at the right pace and the right price. 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   CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES ONLINE DEER STEWARD COURSE In partnership with the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), Clemson University is proud to offer the QDMA's Deer Steward course online. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the key principles of deer and habitat biology, ecology and management. The entire program is self-paced and conducted online. It is a convenient way to learn everything about white-tailed deer from the leading experts! You will register for the program through the QDMA but will view all the program materials through Clemson University.  Foresters earn 4 hous of Category 1 CFEs and 10 hours of Category 2 CFEs without ever leaving your office. You will watch videos from the comfort of your home or office and take exams, all online! This is a great opportunity to earn CFE credits on your own time! To register or learn more about QDMA and the Deer Steward Online program, click here.   THE NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION TEAMS UP WITH USDA TO ASSIST LANDOWNERS WITH LONGLEAF PINE FOREST RESTORATION The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and USDA National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are teaming up to help landowners who currently have longleaf pine on their property and need help with management and/or landowners who are interested in restoring longleaf pine to their property.  Through this partnership, NWTF certified biologists will develop a conservation plan for landowners in North and Central Florida. Once a conservation plan has been finalized, the NWTF will then work with NRCS to determine what type of financial assistance they can qualify for through NRCS’s Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), one of the incentive programs offered via the Farm Bill to private landowners. Interested landowners are encouraged to contact the Florida NWTF regional biologist, Derek Alkire dalkire@nwtf.net, cell: (352) 262-2373.  Info online: http://www.nwtf.org/nwtf_newsroom/press_releases.php?id=13493   REPORT FOX SQUIRREL SIGHTINGS The fox squirrel, named for its fox-like tail, is a charismatic mammal approximately twice the size of the common gray squirrel. The coloration of the fox squirrel is highly variable, ranging from a creamy tan to all black. In Florida, the fox squirrel can be found in almost every county, but the distribution is patchy and not well understood. To better understand fox squirrel distribution, A new research project, conducted by the University of Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is asking members of the public across the state to report their fox squirrel sightings at the following website: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/foxsquirrel/GetLatLong.aspx   Thanks for your help! Questions? Please Contact Courtney Hooker foxsquirrel@ifas.ufl.edu   TIMBER TAX TIPS FOR 2011 Tax rules for timber vary depending on whether your woodland is personal use, investment, or business property. You must make this determination each tax year. See this link for more: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/events_calendar/files/TaxTips2011.pdf   FOREST STEWARDSHIP & OTHER EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS ONLINE See this link for recorded presentations and materials from past Forest Stewardship Program events: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/events_calendar/online_events.html

Florida Land Steward Partners:   FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION UF-IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES & CONSERVATION UF-IFAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION USDA NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE A host of other public and private agencies and organizations are involved with Partnership activities. http://flsteward.org

 

 

 

***** IMPORTANT NOTE about this e-mail distribution list: *****

This e-mail distribution list is intended for official business purposes for IFAS faculty and staff. Do not use this list for personal messages. If you are a current IFAS employee, you will NOT be removed from the list. If you are no longer employed by IFAS and wish to be removed contact the Helpdesk at (352) 392-4636 or mailto:help@ifas.ufl.edu.