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by Shannon Carnevale and Lara Milligan
Naturally Florida is a podcast about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here. Naturally Florida's hosts, Shannon Carnevale and Lara Milligan, bring over 25 years of experience in natural resources and conservation to Naturally Florida. Listeners will learn about Florida wildlife, local ecosystems, and conservation issues in the Sunshine State. If you love learning about nature but need to learn on-the-go, this podcast is for you. This podcast is brought to you by UF/IFAS Extension's Natural Resources programs in Polk and Pinellas Counties.
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- 2 weeks ago25 min
Florida's State Butterfly: Zebra Longwing
In today’s episode we’re talking about Florida’s state butterfly, the zebra longwing: what it looks like, where it’s found, its life cycle, some fun and unique behaviors, and of course, what each of us can do to help support the zebra longwing butterfly. Learn More: Zebra Longwing Butterfly (Heliconius charithonia) - https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/zebra_longwing.shtml Zebra Longwing - https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/100-years/object/zebra-longwing/ Zebra longwing - https://www.flawildflowers.org/know-your-native-pollinators-zebra-longwing/ How You Can Help: Plant host and nectar/pollen plants (Ex. passionflower vine for eggs/larvae and firebush, tropical sage, Spanish needle and more for the adults) - https://www.flawildflowers.org/know-your-native-pollinators-zebra-longwing/ Consider creating a butterfly watering station - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/gardening-with-wildlife/providing-water-to-wildlife/ Consider purchasing a “State Wildflower” tag (license plate) and support valuable research, the planting and protection of hundred of acres of wildflower pollinator pathways and school wildflower gardens, and overall increased environmental awareness - https://www.flawildflowers.org/wildflower-tag/ Sources: Patterns of pollen collection and flower visitation by Heliconius butterflies in southeastern Mexico - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-tropical-ecology/article/abs/patterns-of-pollen-collection-and-flower-visitation-by-heliconius-butterflies-in-southeastern-mexico/3E9698939DC97C3051261F38DBC078D8 Dynamics of a subtropical population of the zebra longwing butterfly heliconius charithonia (nymphalidae) - https://bioone.org/journals/florida-entomologist/volume-88/issue-2/0015-4040_2005_088_0169_DOASPO_2.0.CO_2/DYNAMICS-OF-A-SUBTROPICAL-POPULATION-OF-THE-ZEBRA-LONGWING-BUTTERFLY/10.1653/0015-4040(2005)088%5b0169:DOASPO%5d2.0.CO;2.full State Butterfly: Zebra Longwing - https://dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-butterfly/
- Apr 20, 202624 min
Florida's State Reptile: The American Alligator
Florida is known for having alligators, a fact that brings fear to many visitors and residents. But, alligators are an important species in many of our ecosystems. While we continue to develop the State, our chances of encountering an alligator increase, but there are many ways we can learn to coexist with them.Celebrate Earth Month with us as we revisit a favorite topic from season 1 with a freshly re-edited Alligator episode.Learn more:Living with Alligators: a Florida Reality: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw230Watch an 8ft+ alligator climb a 6ft fence: https://youtu.be/z7DMjQJD7vM (ABC Channel 6, WATE)Information on alligator hunting in Florida (FWC) - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/harvest/hunt-guide/How You Can Help:Never feed an alligator - If you suspect anyone of feeding alligators, intentionally or not, please consider reporting it to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). You will not get anyone in trouble! The 1st offense is a warning and education visit. Call the wildlife alert hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cell phone users in Florida can dial *FWC or #FWC, depending on the service provider.Sources for this Episode:Ober, et al., Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Alligators. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw393Swiman, et al., Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw230Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/snap/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Alligator Management Program. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations
- Mar 16, 202624 min
Florida's State Animal, the Florida Panther
In today’s episode we’re talking about Florida’s state animal, The Florida panther: where it lives, how it lives, the conservation wins that brought it back from the brink, and what each of us can do to help panthers and people coexist in a rapidly growing state Learn More: Florida Panther Program - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/ Wildlife Watch: Learn to protect the Florida panther during critical breeding season with Ask IFAS’ bilingual guide - https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2026/02/12/wildlife-watch-learn-to-protect-the-florida-panther-during-critical-breeding-season-with-ask-ifas-bilingual-guide/ The Florida Panther: A Passageway to Success - https://www.fws.gov/story/2022-04/florida-panther Panther Pulse - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/pulse/ How You Can Help: Slow down in posted panther zones, especially at dawn/dusk/night Report injured/dead panthers to 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922)Report sighting of Florida panther - https://app.myfwc.com/hsc/panthersightings/ Support land conservation programs and efforts - call your elected officials!Consider a “Protect the Panther” tag and support local conservation partners -https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/plate/ Sources: The Florida Panther: Past, Present, and Future https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW402 Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Florida Panther https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW467 Florida Panther Program - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/
- Feb 16, 202618 min
Florida's State Bird ... but for how long?
Today, we’re discussing Florida’s state bird, the Northern Mockingbird: how it earned that title, how to recognize it, who it’s often confused with, and the meaning behind some of their behaviors. Learn More:Northern Mockingbird - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/overview Northern Mockingbird - https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-mockingbird State Bird: Mockingbird - https://dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-bird/ How You Can Help: Plant native shrubs and fruiting plants to support natural diets of the Northern Mockbird, and nesting habitat too! Remember – Aggressive behavior usually means there’s a nest nearby! Support your favorite bird species by promoting the habitat and land/water management practices that support their existence Sources:Urban mockingbirds quickly learn to identify individual humans - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2690012/ Cornell Lab: All About Birds – Northern Mockingbird - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/overviewBreitwisch, R., Diaz, M., Natasha Gottlieb, Lee, R., & Zaias, J. (1986). Defense of Fall Territories by Mated and Unmated Northern Mockingbirds in Southern Florida. Journal of Field Ornithology, 57(1), 16–21. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4513085
- Jan 19, 202624 min
Sabal Palmetto, AKA the Cabbage Palm!
Today, we’re diving into what makes the sabal palmetto special—from its biology and wildlife value to its cultural history—and how Floridians can help protect and support this iconic native plant. Learn More:What is a tree? https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-selection/what-is-a-tree Sabal palmetto: Sabal or Cabbage Palm https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575 Sorting out the Florida Sabal Palms https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357 How You Can Help: If you’re adding palms to your landscaping, consider adding a native cabbage palm instead of a nonnative palm. Protect what’s growing – Remember, sabal palm trunks do not self-heal like “normal” trees would – take care to avoid damaging them! Defend them against weedwhackers and other trauma. Practice responsible pruning - Don’t remove green fronds unnecessarily; fronds provide food and energy for the palm. Unless the frond is dry and brown,the tree still needs it. If you MUST prune, prune responsibly – only fronds that hang down and have already started to die off. (Learn more) Support conservation, Observe, andAppreciate our State Tree - Take a moment to notice sabal palms in your community—and thebirds and wildlife they support. Sources:Cabbage palm – Sabal palmetto https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/tree-tour/cabbage-palm/ Sabal Palm https://www.nps.gov/places/000/sabal-palm.htm Sabal palmetto: Investigating the ecological importanceof Florida’s state tree https://www.proquest.com/openview/22f53c0e4a34046d4bb033c747102003/1?cbl=18750&pq-origsite=gscholarhttps://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST575https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR357
- Dec 15, 202522 min
Hurricanes & Wildlife: Hurricane Series, Part 4
In this episode, we explain how hurricanes impact ecosystems and the wildlife that live there. We’ll discuss behaviors of wildlife before, during and after a storm, how these events impact wildlife, and what to keep in mind when it comes to encountering wildlife after a storm. Learn More:• Wildlife and Storms: Hurricanes and Wildlife - https://myfwc.com/news/wildlife-and-storms/ • Are Fish Impacted by Hurricanes? https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/are-fish-impacted-hurricanes • Hurricane Impacts on Florida’s Agriculture and Natural Resources - https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/105526 How You Can Help: • Give wildlife space to recover after storms — avoid unnecessary “rescues.” • Report fish kills by calling the Fish Kill Hotline: 800-636-0511 or report a fish kill online. • Support dune restoration, wetland cleanup events, and native plantings.• Report injured wildlife to licensed rehabbers or FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline. FWC’ s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCCSources:• The Impact of Hurricane Andrew on the Ecosystems of South Florida - https://www.jstor.org/stable/2386357 • The effects of hurricanes on birds, with special reference to Caribbean islands - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/effects-of-hurricanes-on-birds-with-special-reference-to-caribbean-islands/BB2E910A038B98090BB331310C163DC7 • Short-Term Demographic Responses of a Coastal Waterbird Community After Two Major Hurricanes - https://bioone.org/journals/waterbirds/volume-36/issue-1/063.036.0113/Short-Term-Demographic-Responses-of-a-Coastal-Waterbird-Community-After/10.1675/063.036.0113.short • Geographical variation in hurricane impacts among sea turtle populations - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jbi.12197
- Nov 17, 202525 min
Inland Flooding: Hurricane Series, Part 3
In this episode, we explain how hurricanes cause inland flooding through extreme rainfall and connected watershed systems. We’ll discuss why Florida’s flat terrain and development patterns make inland flooding so persistent, how these events impact water quality and wildlife, and what practical steps Floridians can take to protect their homes and communities. Learn More:See the most up-to-date FEMA Flood Map for your community: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home (FEMA)Get a quote or learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program: https://www.floodsmart.gov Florida Well Owners Network: https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/well/ (UF/IFAS)Benefits of Floodplains: https://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management/wildlife-conservation/benefits-natural (FEMA)Sources:https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home https://www.archbold-station.org/projects/floodplains/ https://msc.fema.gov/msccontent/Flood_Hazard_Mapping_Updates_Overview_Fact_Sheet.pdfhttps://www.floodsmart.gov
- Oct 20, 202526 min
Storm Surge: Hurricane Series, Part 2
On today’s episode, we will do a deep dive into the topic ofstorm surge. What is storm surge? What are the impacts of storm surge to us and our natural systems? We will also help you understand the risk of stormsurge where you live.Episode script reviewed by Lauren Wolf, Holly Abeels, andArmando Ubeda. Episode recording reviewed by Stephen Mullens.Learn more:National Weather Service – Storm Surge Overview &Hurricane Hazards https://www.weather.gov/phi/stormsurge& https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-hazardsNational Ocean Service – What is storm surge? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/stormsurge-stormtide.htmlNational Hurricane Center and Central PacificHurricane Center – Storm Surge Overview - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/ How you can help:Learn your evacuation zone – https://www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone/Remember, evacuation zones are based on storm surge risk for low-lying, floodprone areas, mobile homes or unsafe structures. Consider planting more salt-tolerant plants inyour landscape - https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/Support nature-based solutions such as dunerestoration, mangrove plantings, and living shorelines. Sources for this Episode:https://coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/economics-and-demographics.html https://www.usgs.gov/centers/spcmsc/science/florida-coastal-mapping-programhttps://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2023/06/15/sand-dunes/ https://www.jstor.org/stable/26296452?mag=the-shifting-sands-of-hurricane-resilience&seq=1 https://www.usgs.gov/centers/spcmsc/science/storm-induced-coastal-change https://daily.jstor.org/the-shifting-sands-of-hurricane-resilience/
About Naturally Florida
Naturally Florida is a podcast about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here. Naturally Florida's hosts, Shannon Carnevale and Lara Milligan, bring over 25 years of experience in natural resources and conservation to Naturally Florida. Listeners will learn about Florida wildlife, local ecosystems, and conservation issues in the Sunshine State. If you love learning about nature but need to learn on-the-go, this podcast is for you. This podcast is brought to you by UF/IFAS Extension's Natural Resources programs in Polk and Pinellas Counties.
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