WUFT · Bicentennial Tree service Twenty years ago, Jack Davis started teaching environmental history at the University of Florida. On most work days outside his classroom, he would greet one of the university’s oldest residents: the tall, longleaf pine tree nicknamed the Bicentennial Tree. Davis became aware of the tree’s …
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Although investigators finally have a name to go with the remains of a man found more than 40 years ago, they have plenty of questions about how Ralph Tufano’s body ended up in the woods near High Springs. In the winter of 1979, James Prince, a Florida Division of Forestry employee, found a skeleton off County Road 236 in High Springs while conducting a controlled burn. Due to the limited technology at the time, the body remained nameless for decades as the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office continued the investigation to identify the victim.
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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released the preliminary damage assessment for agriculture, following Hurricane Ian. According to Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried, the loss is estimated between $1,180,714,303 and $1,888,305,886. Those losses don’t just include damage to crops, but also losses to agriculture production and infrastructure. According …
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Ash-filled air and smoke-filled skies are more common in Florida than one might think. Prescribed fire is used year-round to preserve some of our state’s unique ecosystems.
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As a result of a partnership with Duke Energy, 123 4000 Kelvin light-emitting diode streetlights now light the town’s roads. The new streetlights replaced all existing high pressure sodium amber lights that the town rented.
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Constant changes in climate are directly affecting Florida's agriculture and forestry.
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The research team has already completed an initial drone flyover to get a visual of the area being treated, plotted a grid, tested soil, sampled vegetation, applied herbicide and top dressed the field with compost.
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From 1996 to 2016, Gainesville had lost 11 percent of its tree canopy. But green spaces like Cellon Oak Park, home to Florida's largest live oak, help keep biodiversity alive in the city.
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After being closed for a month, Juniper Prairie Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest is now open to the public during daylight. The closure came after increased bear activity. Overnight camping is still off limits after a bear attacked tents in the area.
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The LaCrosse Fire Department went without a fire engine for the entire month of October before purchasing a new 2012 Pierce Dash engine.
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WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville