Equine, Pets & Wildlife   

August is a great time to experience our local springs. However, it is also this time each year that we see media releases about toxic algal blooms and fish kills. Join us to learn why fish kills often occur, and what you should be concerned about with algal blooms.

Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.

Florida's ecology is threatened by non-indigenous creatures that thrive in the rivers, ocean and the forests. Some were former pets, some escaped from zoos but they all pose a huge problem for conserving/protecting the future of Florida's ecology and public safety. Learn about these animals and what is being done to solve the problems.

Enjoy a morning at Silver Springs State Park learning about the natural and cultural/historical resources of the area. Group will meet at the archway (main entrance off Rt 40). Participants will spend the morning with a Park Ranger to learn about the importance of the Silver River, starting near the head spring.
After a Glass Bottom Boat tour, they will walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk and Blue Trail to take a tram ride through the Sandhill Natural Community, with the last stop at the Silver River Museum. After the museum, they will tram back to the main entrance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and must be able to walk at least one mile, some on uneven ground, and will meet at the Entry Arch to Silver Springs State Park, Route 40 entrance.

Enjoy a morning at Silver Springs State Park learning about the natural and cultural/historical resources of the area. Group will meet at the archway (main entrance off Rt 40). Participants will spend the morning with a Park Ranger to learn about the importance of the Silver River, starting near the head spring.
After a Glass Bottom Boat tour, they will walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk and Blue Trail to take a tram ride through the Sandhill Natural Community, with the last stop at the Silver River Museum. After the museum, they will tram back to the main entrance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and must be able to walk at least one mile, some on uneven ground, and will meet at the Entry Arch to Silver Springs State Park, Route 40 entrance.

Linda Patent has lived with macaws for more than 45 years. She currently has three that each has its own unique personality. Patent invites participants to meet one of her macaws, 12-year-old Scarlet Macaw Phoenix, and learn about macaws in general. In this presentation, which is worthwhile to attend for those who are thinking about getting a macaw.

Wildlife populations are declining faster than ever. Join us to learn how to support local wildlife in our urban neighborhoods and how to prevent nuisance issues. We will discuss habitat basics, species of concern, and common Florida wildlife.

Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag. and Natural Resource Agent to larn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County,

We live in "The horse capital of the world." Join Thomas Sweeney owner of Port Royal Racing, who is also working press for Tampa Bay Downs and a multi-state licensed professional horseman.

 

 

Part 1 of this 2 part course will cover the basics from breeding to the starting gate! In Part 2 we will attend a Thoroughbred auction at the world famous Ocala Breeders Sales where many of these equine athletes will fetch upwards of $1,000,000! Tom will "escort" you "backstage" at the sales! This is a great primer on "The Sport of Kings...and Queens!

You see them flitting about in your yard, and you hear them singing a musical song - but What Bird is THAT?
This two-part class for beginning birders will help you to sort them out quickly – how to identify birds.
You don’t need to be a “Bird Brain” to take this course. You just need to have an interest in identifying birds by sight and/or sound. We will also cover field guides, binoculars, bird feeders, and other useful tools to get a good start on a great hobby.

Florida has many entry points for invasive species and a welcoming climate for most. Learn about the newest invasive species in our area and species to be on the lookout for. We will cover common terms used to describe invasive species and health risks associated with certain species that have been introduced.

Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag and Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County,

Some of the largest and most powerful birds fall into the collective category of Raptors. Some soar high overhead and dive at speeds up to 200 MPH on unsuspecting prey. Some are smaller than robins and weigh in at less than 2.5 ounces. Many of these birds look alike. This two-part class is designed to help you sort them out.

The La Chua Trail is an unusual birding experience. This short, 1/2-mile walk to a boardwalk in the northern section of Paynes Prairie Preserve near Gainesville offers close-up looks at some of the most interesting and unusual birds of north central Florida. Limpkin, bittern, herons, egrets, snipe, and on and on.

This two-part class will begin with a classroom discussion and video presentation on many of the birds we are likely to see. The second session is a field trip to the La Chua Trail. There is a $5.00 fee per car for entry onto the site. We will set up a carpool to keep costs down. An optional luncheon will follow at a nearby diner where we will make up a list of all the birds we have seen and/or heard.

The Upper Withlacoochee and lower Rainbow Rivers near Dunellen offer a different look at “old Florida” as well as the more “modern” appearance. This course features a three-hour boat ride with an experienced river boat Captain. Great opportunity to learn about all the wading/water birds you are likely to encounter in Florida. Lots of songbirds too!
We start on December 5th, at 10:00 AM with a classroom discussion and video presentation on any of the birds we are likely to see. You should be able to identify most of them accurately by the end of this first class.
he boat ride on December 12th will begin with about one mile of the Rainbow River and as much of the Withlacoochee as we can cover in the allotted time. Enjoy up close and personal views of magnificent birds with great photo opportunities. An optional luncheon will follow at a nearby riverside cafe where we will make up a list of all the birds we have seen and/or heard on the boat-ride.

Florida is growing by leaps and bounds. With that comes growth and development in both urban and rural areas. Learn about our unique habitat types, why this is important to our wildlife in Florida, and what measures can be taken to reduce human impacts on wildlife.

Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion Conty Ag and Natural Resource Agent to larn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.

Bats provide many ecological benefits in Florida including assisting with mosquito and insect pest control. Join in to learn more about bat species that may be inconspicuously flying around your neighborhood. 

Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.