Florida Balm

Florida Fishing and Wildlife

Florida fishing and wildlife info, experiences, tips and ideas:  seasonal guides, wildlife encounters, piers and parks, habitats, guides, and inspiration for your next outdoor adventure!

Florida burrowing owl

All About Florida Owls

All About Florida Owls Florida’s diverse landscapes—wetlands, pine forests, coastal regions—make it an ideal habitat for a variety of unique wildlife, especially owls. These nocturnal birds captivate nature lovers with their mysterious calls, silent flight, and crucial role in the ecosystem. As natural hunters, Florida owls help balance the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations, and their

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American cockroach (also known as Palmetto Bug) yuck!

Cockroaches in Florida: a Guide to Our Worst Creepy Crawlies

American Cockroach Cockroaches in Florida: Our Worst Creepy Crawlies Cockroaches in Florida are the stuff of nightmares for many residents and visitors, and universally hated by most everyone. These persistent pests are more than just a household nuisance, they are rumored to be one of the only living creatures that can survive a nuclear blast! 

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monarchs and milkweed in Florida

Native Florida Milkweed Plants for Monarch Butterflies

Native Florida Milkweed Plants for Monarch Butterflies Native Florida milkweed plants are a vital resource for monarch butterflies, an iconic symbol of resilience that undertakes a yearly migration of thousands of miles across North America.  Sadly, their populations have been declining due to habitat loss. Planting these native milkweeds in your Florida garden is a

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Saw Palmetto and Skipper butterfly

Florida Native Plants For Butterflies

Florida Native Plants for Butterflies Did you know that Florida’s incredible butterfly diversity, over 200 species, relies on a surprising partner for their survival – plants? Most people don’t think about the importance of butterflies or the plants they need, but for some species… it’s life or death! Many butterfly species depend on very specific plants,

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Red-shouldered hawk in Florida bird of prey

Florida Birds of Prey: Remarkable Raptors

Florida Birds of Prey: Remarkable Raptors Florida’s diverse ecosystems, from lush wetlands to towering forests, provide a haven for a wide variety of birds of prey, also known as raptors.  These magnificent creatures play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of rodents, reptiles, and other animals. Many of Florida’s raptors are

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