Polk Small Farms: New Environment Publications, May & June 2014

New Environment publications from May and June include:

· Ecosystems & Species: American lotus, Black salt marsh mosquito, Rotala; plus an Insects coloring book.

· Water: Master Gardeners on water issues, and water withdrawals and their uses in 2010.

Environment
Ecosystems and Species
		American Lotus, Yellow Lotus: Nelumbo lutea American lotus is an ideal native plant for constructed or restored wetland areas, where it provides shelter, habitat, and food for wildlife. It is an herbaceous aquatic perennial native plant that tolerates a wide range of conditions. The fragrant yellow flowers, huge round leaves, and persistent seed pods borne on stiff stalks high above the water make it both distinctive and visually striking. Native American tribes treated the American lotus as a sacred plant with mystical powers, and many tribes ate the large rhizomes and used parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Warner Orozco-Obando and Lyn Gettys, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, March 2014. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag380
	*Black salt marsh mosquito Aedes taeniorhynchus* (Wiedemann) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)** The black salt marsh mosquito is very common in the eastern coastal areas of the Americas, and is responsible for a large part of mosquito insecticide applications in Florida. Although it is not a primary vector of major concern, it can transmit pathogens to humans and other animals. Its characteristic emergence in large numbers after rains and flooding events as well as its aggressive biting contribute to its notoriety as a pest insect. The black salt marsh mosquito is considered a nuisance in Florida. It is sheltered from large-scale mosquito control as part of the Everglades National Park conservation program to preserve their delicate ecosystem. This 7-page fact sheet was written by Natasha Marie Agramonte and C. Roxanne Connelly, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, April 2014. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1035
	Insects: Friend or Foe? Color and Learn! Not just a coloring book, but an interactive learning experience! This educational handout is perfect for classroom use, homeschool, or just a rainy (or snowy, if you are not in Florida) day. This activity will help connect kids and adults with the amazing diversity of animals for which we have articles in the UF/IFAS Featured Creatures database. This coloring book can be printed front to back on a standard 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper. Once you have your paper and coloring tools in hand, learn more about these creatures and decide what colors to use by reading more about them and visiting the web links for each insect. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, February 2014. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1030
	Rotala: A New Canal Invader in Southern Florida Rotala is a relative newcomer to Florida. Since it was first found in Coral Springs in 1996, it has established large, but mostly isolated, populations throughout the southern regions of Florida. It is especially problematic in Lee and Collier Counties and along the west coast. Extremely dense submersed populations and large thick mats dominate the surface of the water, greatly reducing ecosystem services, because oxygen level and light penetration are hampered. Because the rapid and vigorous growth of rotala inhibits water flow, the ability of infested canals to function properly in flood control systems is greatly hindered. Management of this aquatic weed is a major concern for resource managers. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Lyn A. Gettys and Carl J. Della Torre II, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, April 2014. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag381
Water
	Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Concerns about Water Quality Issues of Master Gardener Program Volunteers To respond to residents’ informational needs, the Cooperative Extension Service offers a variety of volunteer training and certification programs. Who participates in such programs? What types of audiences are being reached? Do such programs increase knowledge and change behavior of the volunteers? In this article, we attempt to answer these questions by summarizing existing studies and using responses to a regional public survey, and by focusing on the Master Gardener program and surface water quality issues as examples. This 7-page fact sheet was written by Tatiana Borisova, Michael Smolen, Maria Pilar Useche, Jon Calabria, Nickola Sochacka, Damian Adams, Diane Boellstorff, Jason Evans, and Robert Mahler, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, May 2014. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe942
	Water Withdrawals and Their Use in Florida in 2010 This publication is based on Florida water use information collected by the United States Geological Service. It expands on EDIS document FE797 that examined Florida water withdrawals data for 2005. In addition, in EDIS document FE757 (Florida’s Water Resources), the authors describe Florida’s abundant water resources—the state receives about 54 inches of rainfall per annum, compared to 30 inches nationwide, and it overlies prolific aquifers. Whether water is scarce or abundant, however, depends not only upon available supplies, but also upon patterns of water use. To gather this information, the United States Geological Survey employs several water-use categories to develop estimates of water withdrawals and water use. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Tatiana Borisova and Jenna Rogers, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, May 2014. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe943