News from the Watershed
News from the Watershed is a weekly column that has
appeared in the Lifestyle section of the News Sun newspaper since February 17th,
2002. The articles linked to here are as they were written and submitted
to the newspaper, not necessarily as they were printed. However, the
headlines are those that were written by the newspaper, and dates of publication
are given with each column.
2011 Articles
Dragonflies, nature's flying wonders - October 9, 2011
The gregarious and playful fox squirrel - October 2, 2011
Florida's waters home to many types of turtles - September 24, 2011
Lovebugs are inconvenient, but don't pose any real threat - September 18, 2011
Aquaculture is an educational and fun experience - September 11, 2011
Florida offers more than sandy beaches and tropical palms - September 4, 2011
Nature's little bandit: the intelligent, adaptable raccoon - August 28, 2011
The legendary stork is on endangered species list - August 21, 2011
Hummingbirds are welcome visitors to backyards - August 14, 2011
The shy, secretive and colorful coral snake - August 7, 2011
Aquifers are our water source for today and tomorrow - July 31, 2011
Opossums are nature's little sanitation engineers - July 24, 2011
Feds, Farmers and Friends feed families food drive helps local folks in need - July 17, 2011
Our 113 lakes provide a fascinating world that houses many diverse creatures - July 10, 2011
The resilient bobcat continues to survive despite challenges - July 3, 2011
Invasive Weed Control Crew takes on the exotics of Highlands County - June 26, 2011
Poison Ivy -Leaves of three, let it be - June 19, 2011
Receive your free low-flow showerhead and start conserving water - June12, 2011
The mysterious, iridescent indigo - June 5, 2011
Got Milk? June is National Dairy Month - May 29, 2011
Try your hand at berry picking this summer - May 22, 2011
Alligators are the modern-day dinosaur - May 15, 2011
May is National Wetlands Month - May 8, 2011
Clark to present on phosphorus loads in the environment -May 1, 2011
National Volunteer Week: Let's celebrate all year long -April 24, 2011
Have an April shower for Earth Day and receive your free low-flow showerhead - April 17, 2011
April is Water Conservation Month, so watch you usage - April 10, 2011
Soil carbon is important to our planet - April 3, 2011
The Florida Mouse is the only mouse endemic to Florida - March 27, 2011
Some interesting facts about agriculture - March 20, 2011
The pristine environment provides an ideal environment for trail run - March 13, 2011
Fertilizing properly will help your lawn and the environment - March 6, 2011
Connecting corridors: What they mean to wildlife - February 27, 2011
Polyphemus moth has short, but interesting life - February 20, 2011
Wild about woodpeckers - February 13, 2011
Water conservation is important to us and our future generations - February 6, 2011
Southern black racers enjoy some back yards - January 30, 2011
Build your won: nests for wood ducks, mallards, bluebirds and bats - January 23, 2011
Hairy Vetch project could help clean up Lake Okeechobee - January 16, 2011
The big freeze - how to help your plants stay alive - January 9, 2011
US Geological Survey completes groundwater study - January 2, 2011
2010 Articles
Basking sites help cold-blooded creatures get warmed up - December 26, 2010
Many agencies band together to battle in the fight against hydrilla - December 19, 2010
Lygodium is considered the greatest invasive exotic threat to Florida - December 12, 2010
Doodlebugs: Nature's digging machines - December 5, 2010
Even in Florida, wildlife has to get ready for the winter - November 28, 2010
The Florida Panther needs our help - November 21, 2010
November 15 is America's Recycles Day - November 14, 2010
Intriguing kids about agriculture with hands-on learning - November 7, 2010
Common vampire bat has a bad reputation but good family values - October 31, 2010
The burrowing wolf spider: things that glow in the night - October 24, 2010
Guevara has lent a helping hand to Sebring NRCS field office - October 17, 2010
Lizards sign of a healthy yard and hard to beat for controlling pests - October 10, 2010
Fire is an essential element for our natural areas - October 3, 2010
HAART students to participate in pollinator workshop - September 26, 2010
How to plant a tree - September 19, 2010
Ospreys stay in Florida year round - September 12, 2010
County's boat ramps getting much needed repairs - September 5, 2010
The wild turkey has made an incredible comeback - August 29, 2010
Patio plants for birds and butterflies - August 15, 2010
Barred owl can be a welcome visitor to neighborhoods - August 8, 2010
The River of Grass' gets a much-needed helping hand - August 1, 2010
Hair snares provide vital information for Florida Black Bear's survival - July 25, 2010
The American Lotus plant is as useful as it is beautiful - July 18, 2010
Mobile Irrigation Lab in County - July 11, 2010
Successful partnerships help get the job done - July 4, 2010
Not all bugs are bad for your garden, so think before you spray - June 27, 2010
Turtles have lived on Earth since before dinosaurs - June 20, 2010
Bluebird a welcome visitor to our backyards - June 13, 2010
Pokeweed is a plant that can be delicious or deadly - June 6, 2010
Steps homeowners can take to keep our water clean - May 30, 2010
The gopher tortoise is a keystone species for state - May 23, 2010
Keep grass clippings out of our lakes to keep them healthy and clean - May 16, 2010
Lake Country students get lessons in water quality, composting and worms - May 9, 2010
Volunteers are recognized by HSWCD - May 2, 2010
Conservation Service turns 75 on April 27 - April 25, 2010
Work day at state park recognizes Earth Day - April 18, 2010
First-graders from Memorial Elementary learn about agriculture - April 11, 2010
Day at the Lake set for April 10 - April 4, 2010
Sand skinks have been on Lake Wales Ridge for eons - March 28, 2010
Florida brings agriculture into the classroom - March 21, 2010
River otters - nature's playful creatures - March 14, 2010
Pollen: A necessary irritant - March 7, 2010
Volunteers get hands dirty to take on the invaders of Florida - February 28, 2010
Organic matter in the soil is what makes plants healthy - February 21, 2010
The largemouth bass is one of Highlands County's amazing creatures - February 14, 2010
Successful project helps citizens, wildlife and environment - February 7, 2010
Air Potato Exchange Day: The sequel - January 31, 2010
Tame your exotic side - plant native - January 24, 2010
Many ways to help wildlife survive the winter - January 17, 2010
National Invasive Species Awareness Week is Jan. 10-17
Air Potato Exchange Day is finally here - January 3, 2010
2009 Articles
Hearty bald cypress trees are not just for wetlands - December 27,2009
The majestic live oak can live for more than 1,000 years - December 20, 2009
Paynes receive 2009 Florida NRCS Conservation Partner of Year award - December 13, 2009
Career Academy students get lesson about littoral zones - December 6, 2009
Local high school students take part in helping the environment - November 22, 2009
Third invasive, exotic workshop will be held on November 20th, 2009
Red maple brings colorful accent to landscape - November 8, 2009
Plant hardy muhly grass for a unique-looking landscape - November 1, 2009
CARES awards three county producers for environmentally friendly practices - October 25, 2009
Lake Jackson Shoreline Restoration Project is complete - October 18, 2009
Heroes of Highlands County - October 11, 2009
Wax myrtle a hardy, evergreen plant that attracts many types of wildlife - October 4, 2009
First workshop on invasive exotics was a great beginning - September 27, 2009
Native viburnum is a versatile, hardy plant for gardeners - September 20, 2009
Sweet September: Mark National Honey Month with jar of the miracle food - September 13, 2009
Workshop on Florida's invasive, exotic plants, animals is Sept. 18 - September 6, 2009
Dwarf Youpon Holly may be the answer to your gardening challenges - August 30, 2009
Coontie may be the most primitive plant on earth - August23, 2009
Simpson's stopper an attractive tree that attracts lots of wildlife - August 16, 2009
Native firebush is a must have for butterfly gardens - August 9, 2009
Carolina jasmine is a hardy vine to use in your garden - August 2, 2009
4-H Day Compers were Rockin' it Outdoors - July 26, 2009
American Beautyberry is beautiful in wild and in the garden - July 19, 2009
Indian Blanket flowers perk up any garden - July 12, 2009
Beautiful and hardy, native Porter weed a great addition to gardens - July 5, 2009
Tame the exotic side; become native - June 28, 2009
The mysterious mole is good for the soil - June 21, 2009
Rain sensors make good conservation sense, so don't miss out on yours - June 14, 2009
Workshop will teach you how to save water from a rainy day - June 7, 2009
Career Academy students compete in "Photostory" contest - May 31, 2009
Coyotes in Florida - May 24,2009
Choosing the right plants for dry conditions - May 17, 2009
AP's Awesome Opossums go to State Envirothon Contest - May 10, 2009
Practicing water conservation should be a full-time effort - May 3, 2009
Invasion of the Dioscorea bulbifera in Highlands County - April 26, 2009
Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District will celebrate a working Earth Day - April 19, 2009
Rain sensors to be given away to homeowners in Highlands County - April 12, 2009
Ag Literacy Day brings agriculture into the classroom - April 5, 2009
Native plants grow better, require less maintenance in local yards - March 29, 2009
Second Annual Conservation Connection Day was a Success - March 22, 2009
Ways to bring birds to your back yard - March 15, 2009
Several ways to help endangered pollinators help you - March 8, 2009
Gardening may be hard, but it's also relaxing - March 1, 2009
Conservation Connection Day on March 7 will be better than last year - February 22, 2009
Awesome Opossums' will go to the State Envirothon competition - February 8, 2009
Some interesting facts about soil - February 1, 2009
Career Academy students have a day in the park - January 25, 2009
Habitat basics will help northern bobwhite quail - January 18, 2009
Jimmy Wohl joins the Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District - January 11, 2009
It takes 1,000 years to make an inch of soil - January 4, 2009
2008 Articles
Ten great habitats for fish and wildlife - December 21, 2008
Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District to host Lakes Symposium - December 7, 2008
Highlands Soil and Water conservation District staff attends SECDEA conference - November 30, 2008
Wonderful worms provide numerous benefits for your yard - November 23, 2008
The Florida Ranchlands Environmental Services Project - November 16, 2008
America Recycles Day - November 9, 2008
The easy and correct way to plant bulbs in your garden - November 2, 2008
A weed by any other name is still annoying - October 25, 2008
Conservation efforts have led to comeback of white-tailed deer - October 19, 2008
Invite a toad to dinner to control garden pests - October 5, 2008
Fish survival is dependent on proper watershed management - September 21, 2008
Help your backyard plants get the nutrients they need - September 14, 2008
Attract hummingbirds to your yard - September 7, 2008
Ecology lessons: Short-term fixes may lead to bigger problem later - August 31, 2008
Agriculture: Before and after the storm - August 24, 2008
Butler Oaks Dairy a good example to follow - August 17, 2008
Restored wetlands giving new life to waterfowl, wildlife - August 10, 2008
Florida means "land of flowers" and lives up to it - August 2, 2008
July is smart irrigation month, so watch your watering - July 27, 2008
Five days of 4-H summer camp was a fun, green thing for 33 kids - July 20,2008
Carlos Torres joins staff as new district conservationist for Highlands County - July 13, 2008
Conservation Connection a hit, and we'll do it again next year - July 6, 2008
Earthworms: Earth's amazing decomposer - June 29, 2008
Perennial peanut a good choice for your lawn - June 22, 2008
Learn about environmental agencies on Conservation Connection Day June 25 - June 15, 2008
Area 6 Florida Conservation District's meeting hosted by HSWCD - June 8, 2008
Today's children are losing touch with nature - June 1, 2008
SHS students participate in shower head project - May 25, 2008
Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District holds second Home Composting Workshop - May 18, 2008
Melaleuca mulch a solution to invasive exotic problem - May 11, 2008
Agriculture in the classroom: Ag Literacy Day - May 4, 2008
Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District recognizes Earth Team volunteers - April 20, 2008
The Florida scrub jay's future is in our hands - April 13, 2008
Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District home composting workshop set for May - April 6, 2008
Drop a line to help Monofilament Recycling and Recovery Program-March 30, 2008
Splash! Grant: A team effort - March 23, 2008
Save water and money by getting a low-flow showerhead - March 16, 2008
Volunteers' help with composters means another workshop is on the way - March 9, 2008
What kind of tree is right for me? - March 2, 2008
What's happening to the honeybees is a serious problem for all of us - February 24, 2008
What's your fish and wildlife habitat IQ? Take this test to find out - February 17, 2008
Aquaculture-Farming of the waters - February 10, 2008
Bats help battle crop pests - February 3, 2008
Water treatment ponds: Why they're important - January 27, 2008
The Florida Black Bear is a vanishing species - January 20, 2008
Connecting Corridors: What they mean to wildlife - January 13, 2008
2007 Articles
Teach your children about the environment and make good stewards for the future - December 30, 2007
The finish line is in sight, and Larry Sharpe has run a good race - December 23, 2007
Pastures, forage and livestock - more than they seem - December 9, 2007
There are 54 kinds of snakes in Highlands County, and most are harmless - December 2, 2007
Agriculture - Roots in our history - November 25, 2007
Trees offer more than just shade; you can also put them to work for you - November 18, 2007
Composting a way to turn your garbage into something useful - November 11, 2007
The soil we see under our feet is much more than just dirt - November 4, 2007
Butterflies are nature's artwork - October 28, 2007
Help is on the way for the control of tropical soda apple in Florida - October 21, 2007
Some interesting facts about citrus and its impact on our state - October 14, 2007
Where does our water come from, and where does it go when we're done with it? - October 7, 2007
The Yellow Dragon: Citrus Greening is major threat to the industry - September 30, 2007
Wetlands Reserve Program helping restore a natural treasure - September 23, 2007
In the natural world, there is always life after the burn - September 16, 2007
Florida's cattle industry; a part of our heritage and our future - September 9, 2007
The ridge we live on is special and in need of protection - September 2, 2007
Proper disposal of unwanted prescription meds important for a healthy environment - August 26, 2007
Caladiums: A colorful and simple choice for landscaping - August 19, 2007
Hydrilla: A menace to our waterways - August 12, 2007
Just what is a Soil and Water Conservation District? - August 5, 2007
Prescribed burning also a useful tool in agricultural setting - July 29, 2007
Prescribed burns A prescription for healthy plant communities - July 22, 2007
Mosquitoes: Don’t let them ruin your summer fun! - July15, 2007
Foam on the lakes typically a natural occurring phenomena - July 1, 2007
Exotic pests are just as much a danger to state as exotic plants June 24, 2007
What's so bad about exotic plants in our state? Plenty June 17, 2007
The chain reaction brought on by a drought can go on for years June 10, 2007
Swallow-tailed kite a welcome visitor to Highlands County June 3, 2007
It makes good sense to use sensors for your lawn sprinklers May 27, 2007
Wetlands: What they are and why we need them May 20, 2007
Meet Corine Burgess, new Natural Resource Specialist May 13, 2007
Endangered wood stork a good indicator species April 15, 2007
Keeping bacteria out of the kitchen is important April 8, 2007
Lake evaporation rate does not always match rainfall levels March 25, 2007
Drought has not led lakes to historic lows...yet March 18, 2007
Whipping up some goodies for game day January 28, 2007
Introduce a family member to fishing January 21, 2007
Stirring up some tasty dishes using tomatoes January 7, 2007