Environment

Gainesville holds a special connection to National Bat Appreciation Month, housing one of the largest bat houses in North America and a thriving bat population. Bats influence local agriculture by removing pests and dropping seeds that promote regrowth.

The panther population is relatively small and they are often at risk for getting hit by a car. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is aiming to keep the panther population as safe and healthy as possible.

Freshwater mussel, the Suwannee Moccasinshell, became a top priority Monday following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to propose that the species be protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Microbeads, like the ones found in common toothpastes and facial products, are damaging the environment more than many people know. The particles in these beads can enter oceans and rivers, disrupting marine life and causing damage to the ecosystem.

Researchers tested 19 different types of blueberries, which were ranked based on overall liking, texture, sweetness, sourness and flavor intensity to determine what type of blueberry people liked and which type would produce consistent results when grown in different environments.

A decades-old Gainesville landfill will soon be transformed into a functioning floodplain. The old landfill near the Gainesville Regional Airport has caused erosion and affected the quality of the local water for humans and wildlife. The $1.88 million project to remediate the landfill has been in progress since April, but the landfill has a history dating back more than half a century ago.

A Florida forester received a national award for fire prevention. He calls prescribed burns the "single most important" land management tool in the state.

For a Christmas tree farm, preparation for the holiday season begins way before December. At the Unicorn Hill Christmas Tree Farm, finalization of the trees starts this month.

Contamination in recycling has lead to deficit for the national recycling industry. Alachua County has managed to remain successful due to their dual stream system.

The month of September is National Honey Month, which marks the end of honey collection for most beekeepers across America. Florida consistently ranks top five for honey production in the country and is seeing an increase in the number of bee colonies in the past 8 years. As a result, the state generates a $13 million annual honey profit.