UF IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences SFFGS

10/20/2026

Free plants! The inaugural Plant Drop Giveaway is this Friday, Oct. 23 at the Reitz Union lawn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Native Plant Horticulture Foundation (NPHF) is teaming up with SFFGS and the UF/IFAS Native Plant Nursery for the event that also features plant clubs and other organizations.

500 Silkgrass and 100 Peperomia plants will be distributed to students. And the Native Plant Horticulture Foundation will offer “Gators Love Native Plants” stickers along with t-shirts and other prizes for students engaging with the Foundation’s social media.

Other student organizations such as the Florida Native Plant Club will be on hand to promote their education and social events. Native plant business leaders from the Florida Association of Native Nurseries, a collaborating nonprofit, will be on hand to talk with students about career pathways and business opportunities.

Full story: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/2026/10/08/hundreds-of-plants-up-for-grabs-on-oct-23-native-plant-drop-for-uf-students/

10/20/2026

HARVEST Applications Applications close October 31.

Whether you're interested in starting a career in aquaculture or hosting an apprentice at your operation, HARVEST offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and support Florida's aquaculture industry.

HARVEST supports aquaculture businesses across Florida by providing funding for paid apprenticeships. Businesses and apprentices are selected through a competitive application process conducted in partnership with Florida’s aquaculture industry associations.

Apprentices complete a minimum of 260 hours of hands-on training while working alongside experienced aquaculture professionals. Each apprenticeship is based on the needs of the participating business and gives apprentices the opportunity to gain practical skills and experience in the aquaculture industry.

Application link for apprentices and businesses: https://www.flseagrant.org/harvest-program/

10/17/2026

The 10.17.26 inaugural Hickory Sink Forest Open House brought neighbors, UF students, alumni, families and SFFGS experts together for a tour of the property and a chance to learn about technology being used to survey and manage the 2,600-acre teaching and research forest.

10/16/2026

We have another sponsor for the 2026 Flatwoods 5K held at UF / IFAS Austin Cary Forest on Halloween morning 10.31.26!

Thank you Barge Design Solutions for your support.

This year there is a costume contest for the best forest creature.

Sign up soon: https://runsignup.com/Flatwoods5K

10/15/2026

Congratulations Dr. Clarke!

ISA is proud to recognize Mysha Clarke, Ph.D., as the recipient of the 2026 Early-Career Scientist Award. https://youtu.be/jirZI9xvVY4?si=lfNT6fkHBbC6p9IA

The Early-Career Scientist Award is granted to individuals who show exceptional promise, with high potential to become an internationally recognized scientist.

Clarke is an assistant professor of human dimensions of natural resources at the University of Florida's School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatic Sciences. Originally from Westmoreland, Jamaica, she earned her undergraduate degree in economics, with minors in Spanish and environmental studies, from Kalamazoo College, and her Ph.D. in forestry and natural resources from Purdue University.

At UF, Clarke teaches courses in environmental social sciences, focusing on human–nature interactions. Her research explores decision-making about the natural environment, particularly in urban greenspaces, invasive species, and weather-related disturbances. Funded by various organizations, including the TREE Fund and the U.S. Geological Survey, she aims to strengthen connections between people and urban nature.

To view the full list of ISA 2026 Award Winners, visit: https://www.isa-arbor.com/Membership/Member-Recognition/Awards-of-Distinction

10/15/2026

The UF/IFAS Dinner of Distinction recognizes alumni, friends and or...

10/13/2026

TICKS, HORSES, PRESCRIBED FIRE: WEBINAR Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.

Ticks pose a growing concern for both horses and riders, affecting animal health, human health, and the overall enjoyment of time on the trail.

This webinar will explore the impacts of ticks on horses and people, including the diseases they can carry and the challenges they create for equestrian properties.

Participants will learn how prescribed fire can be used as a land management tool to help reduce tick habitat and populations while improving the health and accessibility of trails and riding areas. Join us to discover how integrating prescribed fire into your land management strategy can contribute to healthier landscapes, healthier horses, and a more enjoyable riding experience.

DATE: Oct 16, 2026 at 1 p.m. EST

A free one hour webinar from Tall Timbers, the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, the Southern Fire Exchange, the University of Florida IFAS, and the Joint Fire Science Program.

Society of American Foresters CFE Credit Expected.

Presenters:
Kevin Weis DVM, Hollow Creek Animal Hospital
Heather Levy, Hitchcock Woods Foundation
Bennett Tucker, Hitchcock Woods Foundation
George Jensen, Tall Timbers
Chris Hobson, Tall Timbers

Sign up: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-CNAYFFuQ7qZWZwVpCJTOQ #/registration

10/13/2026

SATURDAY October 17

Bring your little ghouls and goblins for some outdoor fun this Saturday, October 17th, for our annual “Spooky Candy Family Fishing Day" at UF/IFAS Millhopper Ponds.

Location: 922 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32653) from 8 a.m. to Noon.

Stop by the registration tent to sign in and enjoy a sweet treat.

All fishing activity is catch-and-release only. No license or fee is required. We offer loaner poles, tackle, and bait (hot dogs), or you may bring your own fishing equipment. Dip nets will also be available to catch live bait from our invertebrate ponds.

10/12/2026

Forest landowners dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias will have some decisions to make about impacted timber stands. This on-demand Hurricane Recovery Webinar covers key assistance contacts and strategies to recover value and minimize economic losses to timber within a week and months after a hurricane. USE CAUTION out on the roads and in the woods. Avoid down power lines and washed-out woods roads.

Presenter: Chris Demers, Extension Program Manager, UF/IFAS School ...

10/12/2026

The latest video in the My Florida Forest video series, “Should You Fertilize Your Pine Trees,” asks a question that may initially seem simple, since fertilizer gives trees the nutrients they need to grow.

SFFGS Associate Professor of Silviculture Jason Vogel talks about the benefits and risks of fertilizers and when it makes sense to apply them to your crop.

“For people who grow trees, wait for the right price for your fertilizer,” is one of many pieces of advice that Vogel offers. “We can wait from ages 2-to-5 years to apply them."

Learn more about the topic and view the rest of the series at: https://myflforest.land/