2015 fls calendar_reduced5

2015 Florida Land Steward Calendar

Future EventsMany events for landowners and professionals will be held throughout the year but are not listed in this calendar. Please check the Florida Land Steward website for updates on events being held near you: http://FloridaLandSteward.org. If you would like to receive regular calendar and news updates via email, send an email to [email protected]. Updates are sent weekly or biweekly.

Want To Contribute ToFuture Calendars?Maybe you have a great habitat management tip or high quality wildlife photograph that you would like to share with others. If you would like to be involved in or support future calendar efforts, or simply have a suggestion for improvement, please let us know: [email protected]

The Florida Land Steward Calendar is a result of the collaboration and support of many different agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals. Those involved with this partnership have designed the calendar to encourage, motivate, and educate landowners about habitat management. The information in this calendar is true and complete to the best of our knowledge and all recommendations are made without any guarantee on the part of the partners or supporters, who also disclaim any liability incurred in the connection with the use of these recommendations. All rules, regulations, and safety measures should be followed when carrying out any habitat management practice.

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Right photo: American Lady by Chris Demers

Cover photo: Florida Sunrise, Sunrise over the “Real Florida” photo by Michael Libbe, http://michaellibbephotography.com/

Notes

Questions? Contact us! Please contact one of the partner agencies or organizations nearest you with any questions. This edition includes a list of partner contacts and a land management scheduling tool at the back of the calendar.

� e Florida Land Steward PartnershipPrivate lands in Florida provide a wide variety of services that benefit all of society, including clean air, groundwater recharge, fish and wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, water filtration, economic activity, recreation opportunities, and an improved quality of life. The landowners that own and manage these lands have diverse goals and objectives for their properties, which frequently include natural resource management and conservation. The Florida Forest Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and University of Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and School of Forest Resources and Conservation, along with a variety of other agencies and organizations, have been supporting natural resource management and conservation efforts of private landowners for many years. These agencies and

organizations provide support to landowners managing natural resources by providing technical and financial assistance, developing land and natural resource management and conservation plans, and disseminating information through newsletters, websites, field days, and other means.

To more successfully deliver consistent and effective information and cater to diverse land ownerships and management objectives across the state, these natural resource agencies and organizations are working together in a Florida Land Steward Partnership.Partner agencies and organizations are collaborating more closely to develop and provide information and technical assistance that enhances the natural resource management capabilities of landowners. This includes the production and statewide distribution of a quarterly newsletter, yearly calendar, and other

printed materials. Program partners are also working closely together to coordinate joint workshops, field days, and other trainings. In addition, a Florida Land Steward website has been developed that serves as a centralized source of information on land and natural resource management.

To learn more about the Florida Land Steward Partnership and managing your land and natural resources for long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits, please visit the website at http://FloridaLandSteward.org/

Florida Invasive SpeciesPartnershipFlorida Land Steward Partners and other agencies and organizations in Florida agree that invasive non-native species are a statewide problem with high ecological and economic costs. The Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) is a collaboration of federal, state and local agencies along with non-government organizations, all with a stake in managing invasive non-native species in Florida. Invasive species can spread beyond fence lines so our goal is to connect private landowners and public land managers with invasive species expertise and assistance programs across boundaries. All stakeholders, both public and private, can benefit from collaborative efforts to reduce the threat. FISP increases communication, coordination and the sharing of resources to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes. See http://www.fl oridainvasives.org/ for more information about this collaboration.

Photo: Manuel De La Vega Photo: Black Swallowtail butterfly (female)by Matt Greene

Photo: Michael Libbe Photo: Yellow fringed orchid, Sarracenia leucophylla, Northwest Florida photo by Arlo Kane

http://FloridaLandSteward.org/

� e Woodward family was fortunate to grow up in the country on the farm. As Julia Woodward Gregory explains, “Our parents taught us the value of working, helping out and taking care of the land. Daddy wanted to see us work together to keep this farm special and in the family, so he gave it to his six children in 1978.” � e Woodward Family Tree Farm, better known as the “Family Farm Partnership” celebrated 100 years of ownership in 2014 and is currently managed by Bob Woodward and his brother Pat, a retired pediatric physician. Michael Dooner, a professional

to the landscape. Wildlife and recreation are paramount and have been the primary objectives in the Tree Farm’s written forest management plan for over 30 years. In addition to

forester and President of Southern Forestry Consultants, Inc. provides natural resource management services for the Woodward family partnership.

� e Woodward Family Tree Farm, inspected and certifi ed by Michael Dooner on September 20, 2013 consists of 1,425 acres of pine and hardwood areas with a multiple use objective. Well managed natural stands of old growth longleaf pine as well as planted longleaf and loblolly pine cover the majority of the property. Picturesque hardwood drains bisect these pine areas and add diversity Bob Woodward is on the right and Dr. Pat Woodward is

on the left in the photos.

recommendations from Southern Forestry Consultants, Bob and Pat Woodward were very much involved in the establishment of pine stands as well as the maintenance of forest roads and firelines.

�innings in the pine stands improve growth rates and sustain availability of growing stock on the property. Prescribed burning on a three-year rotation is also important for reducing hazardous fuels and improving wildlife habitat. Herbicide application to control encroachment of invasive species has proven effective throughout the forest property. �e Woodwards’ attention

to detail is noticeable everywhere. For example, to combat erosion, even the firelines have water bars and turnouts in areas where there are steep slopes and in close proximity to water bodies. �eir commitment to long range planning is remarkable and is evident in the execution and accomplishment of management activities that include their children and grandchildren.

Enjoyment of the Family Farm is not limited to just the family. For many

years, the Woodwards have hosted field tours and allowed scout troops to use the property for camping and natural resource education toward fulfilling merit badge requirements. Bob Woodward has served on the University of Florida IFAS Advisory Board for eight years as a voice in support of managed forests.

Susan Woodward Walker sums up the Woodward Family Tree Farm so eloquently: “I am so thankful that we continue to own the farm and that we can manage it for timber and recreation, so that our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to enjoy it, too.”

January Habitat Management Tips

Forest Stewardship Tour, Madison County, photo by Kris Cathey

• First bullet should read: Learn the steps to obtain a prescribed burning authorization at: www.FreshFromFlorida.com/PrescribedBurningAuthorization.

• Conduct prescribed burns on pine stands to reduce competition from woody vegetation and encourage herbaceous plant growth. Obtain authorization from FFS prior to burn

• Develop or update a multiple-resource management plan for your property. Resource professionals from partnering agencies and organizations are available to help as necessary.

• Disk fi rebreaks to protect against wildfi res.

• Begin a slow drawdown of moist soil management ponds to enhance food supplies for waterfowl and migrating shorebirds.

• Maintain water levels in green-tree reservoirs to increase food supplies for waterfowl and migrating shorebirds.

• Clean out and repair nest boxes (e.g., purple martin, eastern bluebird and wood duck) or install new ones.

• Strip disk fallow fi elds to promote ragweed, partridge pea and other herbaceous vegetation for bobwhite quail.

• Roller chop heavy palmetto stands or areas of dense woody vegetation and follow with a drying period before conducting a growing season prescribed burn.

• Plant mast producing trees and shrubs to provide an additional wildlife food source.

• Order pine seedlings for planting next winter.

• Plan to thin pine stands during dry weather periods to avoid soil damage by heavy equipment.

• Contact your forester to assess your pine cone crop and its potential to naturally regenerate your pine stand.

• Use your old Christmas tree to initiate a brush pile.

• Begin grazing limpograss pastures at fi rst frost.

• Start baiting fi re ant mounds and continue year round for maximum control.

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Mechanical understory control:

New Year’s Day

Full Moon

New Moon

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Florida Arbor Day

Where understory oaks and shrubs are dense and prescribed fire is not yet an option, mechanical control of small trees and shrubs is often necessary. Roller chopping with a drum chopper pulled behind a tractor is a cost-

effective mechanical treatment where hardwoods and shrubs need to be controlled. Learn how to protect your home from wildfire at: www.FreshFromFlorida.com/FirewiseCommunities.

Photos by Chris Demers and Aaron Levine

The Pine Rockland of south Florida, Pine Ridge Sanctuary, Miami-Dade County, photo by Chris Demers

Habitat Management TipsFebruary• Prepare Conservation Exemption, Conservation Assessment and

Agricultural Assessment forms and submit to the Property Appraiser by March 1 deadline.

• Plant mast producing trees to provide an additional wildlife food source.

• Strip disk fallow fi elds to promote ragweed, partridge pea, and other herbaceous vegetation for bobwhite quail.

• Conduct prescribed burns on pine stands to reduce competition from woody vegetation and encourage herbaceous plant growth.

• Roller chop heavy palmetto stands or areas with dense woody vegetation and follow with a drying period before conducting a growing season prescribed burn.

• Leave dead trees (i.e., snags) standing to provide valuable habitat for cavity nesters.

• Burn low areas and turkey woods if not burnt for several years.

• Lime or bottom plow old fi elds as needed.

• Drag pastures to spread manure and distribute nutrients.

• Burn old growth and thatch on pastures or hayfi elds for spittlebug control.

• Sink rocks, plastic pipes or concrete in ponds and lakes to provide benefi cial habitat for aquatic species. Placing structures in water owned by more than one person may require a permit from the Division of Environmental Protection.

• Clean out and repair nest boxes (e.g., purple martin, eastern bluebird, and wood duck) or install new ones.

• Begin draining water from green tree reservoirs to encourage the germination and growth of native food sources such as smartweed.


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Groundhog Day

President’s Day

Valentine’s DayGreat BackyardBird Count: 12-15

National Invasive Species Awareness Week 22-28

Full Moon

New Moon

Walton County Forest Steward, Bob Reid, is converting a loblolly pine plantation to a longleaf pine forest. After chipping the small diameter loblolly pines for biomass, he focused on establishing the wiregrass and other groundcover plants. A

grassland seeder like this one can be used to plant seeds of groundcover plants. One of the most important factors to ensure high germination rates of seeds sown on restoration sites is the elimination of competing vegetation like shrubs and oaks.

Groundcover restoration

Ash Wednesday

Photos by Ken Oser

March

The Woods are For Kids, Whippoorwill Farms, Gadsden County, Photo by Chris Demers

Habitat Management Tips

• Conduct prescribed burns on mixed grassland habitats (stands of native grasses mixed with tame grasses).

• Conduct prescribed burns after bud-break to help reduce vigor of re-sprouting woody vegetation.

• Prepare wider fi rebreaks when burning during the driest time of the year and always have water tanks available for suppression.

• Avoid disking around wetlands and ponds as reptiles and amphibians are actively moving to wetter areas for breeding.

• Initiate timber stand improvement thinning. Delay cutting in wetter areas at risk of severe soil disturbance and rutting.

• Plant native grasses, forbs and legumes to provide wildlife food and cover.

• Draw down moist-soil management ponds 1 to 2 feet to promote growth of wetland vegetation and attract waterbirds. Drain 15 to 20% of the total fl ooded acreage at a time.

• Scout pastures and hayfi elds for adult mole crickets; if found, apply nematodes for control.

• Mow clover patches to stimulate re-growth. Avoid areas where ground-nesting birds may be incubating eggs.

• Clean out and repair nest boxes (e.g., purple martin, eastern bluebird, and wood duck) or install new ones.

• Locate and monitor gopher tortoise burrows and try to avoid future disturbance.


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2015 National Groundwater Awareness Week 08-14

Begin Daylight Savings

St. Patricks’ Day

National Agriculture Day

Spring Equinox

Full Moon

New Moon

Soil Management Tip

Agriculture and Conservation Assessment forms due to County Property Appraiser

Photo by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Cover crops prevent erosion by slowing down water in heavy rains. They can also reduce pests, help water get into the soil profile and modulate the soil temperature extremes. This is important in much of Florida where it rains a lot in short periods, with long stretches of hot dry temperatures in between. Varieties of rye grain and other species are suitable cover crops.

April

Wild azalea, Rhodendron canescens, photo by Matt Greene,http://fingerprinceprints.zenfolio.com


• On sites with low fuel loading, conduct growing season prescribed burns to reduce vigor of resprouting woody stems, while promoting native seed production. Burn sites should be carefully selected to avoid damage to wild turkey and bobwhite quail nests. Hens will likely re-nest if damage does occur.

• Avoid mowing April through August to reduce risk to ground-nesting birds.

• Begin post burn evaluations and record any changes needed for next burn cycle.

• Apply hexazinone according to chemical label instructions to control hardwoods after April 15.

• Plan herbicide control of unwanted grasses.

• Conduct soil tests to determine lime and fertilizer rates for summer food plots and dove fi elds.

• If necessary, apply lime and fertilizer to food plots and dove fi elds according to soil test results.

• Scout pastures and hayfi elds for weed species and treat as needed.

• Check pastures and hayfi elds for presence of adult mole crickets and, if found, apply nematodes for control.

• Allow birds, such as least terns, American oystercatchers and black skimmers, to nest undisturbed on rooftops in coastal areas from April through June.

• Order tree seedlings for winter planting.


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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAYFull Moon

New Moon

Earth DayFlorida Birding & Photofest (St Augustine) 22-26

Arbor Day

Good Friday

Easter Sunday

Habitat Management Tip

Pascua Florida DayApril Fool’s Day

Photo by Chris Demers

Emerging biomass energy markets can provide an opportunity for landowners trying to restore upland pine habitats. Small diameter hardwoods or pines that would otherwise have no market can be chipped onsite and trucked to an energy facility to be burned for energy production, saving the landowner a great deal of site preparation costs.

May

“The arrival”, wood storks, photo by John Hayes, https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnphayes/


• Use prescribed burns on saw palmetto and areas of dense woody vegetation to improve control and stimulate production of native seeds. To reduce risk, insure burn conditions are ideal (wind speed and direction are stable at 1 to 3 mph, relative humidity above 30%, soils and lower litter are damp, etc., and obtain a burn authorization from Florida Forest Service).

• Choose appropriate prescribed burning conditions and extinguish fi res by sunset to help keep smoke off major roads. Always obtain authorization from Florida Forest Service prior to burn.

• Conduct timber harvests in suitable dry areas, while avoiding active red-cockaded woodpecker nests.

• Rotate livestock from native range to improved pastures to benefi t ground nesting species such as bobwhite quail.

• Begin treating cogongrass infestations after May 15 and as weather permits

• Plant summer food plots such as corn, peas, grain sorghum, chufas and aeschynomene.

• Check water control structures and dikes on managed wetland areas for needed maintenance.

• Scout pastures and hayfi elds for weed species and treat as needed.

• Prepare for warm season perennial establishment.

• Plant pastures with summer annuals.

• Keep exterior beach-side lights out in coastal areas through October to help baby turtles emerging from their nests reach the ocean.


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Full Moon

New Moon

Cinco de Mayo

Mother’s Day

Memorial Day

May is American Wetlands Month

Armed Forces Day

2015 National Drinking Water Week 3-9

International Migratory Bird Day Endangered Species Day

World Turtle Day

Photo by William A. Carothers, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

The southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, is among the most destructive insect pests of pine in the southern United States. When beetle populations are low, attacks are generally restricted to stressed or damaged pines. However, epidemics can happen periodically when populations are high. During epidemics, SPB infestations often begin in weakened

or injured trees, but the beetles can invade and overcome healthy vigorous trees by attacking in large numbers over a short period of time (infestation shown in aerial photo, courtesy Florida Forest Service). To prevent infestations, keep your pine stands healthy with the use of thinning and prescribed fire. Longleaf pine is less susceptible, but not immune, to southern pine beetle attack.

Habitat Management Highlight

June

Fire in the longleaf pine forest, photo by Matt Greene, http://fingerprinceprints.zenfolio.com/


• Be aware that smoke can settle in drainages and mix with early morning or evening fog, which can create traffi c safety issues. Own your smoke!

• Conduct post-burn evaluations to determine success of woody vegetation control.

• Continue treating cogongrass infestations.

• Begin herbicide application for control of bicolor lespedeza and bahiagrass within natural areas.

• Finish timber harvest and clean up operations but try to avoid using heavy equipment in woods when soils are wet.

• Leave dead trees (i.e., snags) standing to provide valuable habitat for cavity nesters.

• Strip disk to encourage the production of Florida pusley, a highly preferred forage for white-tailed deer.

• Conduct soil tests to determine lime and fertilizer rates for fall food plots and dove fi elds.

• Continue planting summer food plots.

• Plant aeschynomene to achieve adequate reseeding in November.

• Examine pastures for caterpillars (army worms and grass loopers) and treat as needed.


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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAYFull Moon

New Moon

Father’s Day

Private Lands Management HighlightTrails, bridges and boardwalks can greatly enhance recreational opportunities on your property. The McPhaul family’s Whippoorwill Farms in Gadsden County is a rolling mixed hardwood and pine forest with a magnificent system of beautiful hiking trails that feature the unique topography, hydrology, vegetation and habitats of the property.

American beech and mountain laurel; species more common in Appalachia; grow on the slopes leading down to the creek. The trail also features different types of bridges over the creek, a rock crossing and a few waterfalls.

Hurricane Season Begins

Flag Day


July

Swallowtailed kite, Lake Woodruff, Photo by Michael Libbe, http://michaellibbephotography.com/


• Conduct prescribed burns to benefi t native ground cover. Focus prescribed burning eff orts on areas with native ground cover as old fi eld vegetation does not burn well unless the fuel composition is greater than 25 percent grass cover.

• Conduct post-burn evaluations to determine success of woody vegetation control.

• Perform survival checks on planted pines.

• Avoid thinning pines during wet weather to prevent soil compaction and rutting.

• Plant chufas in food plots for wild turkeys.

• Plant millet by July 15 so dove fi elds are ready for the fi rst phase of dove season.

• Begin deer track counts or deer spotlight surveys and record incidental wildlife sightings.

• Use an exclosure in food plots to allow observation of crop growth and success without the pressure of browsing.



• Prevent Southern Pine Beetle Infestations to save the value of your forest. Learn more at: www.FreshFromFlorida.com/SouthernPineBeetle

• Last chance to order tree seedlings for winter planting!

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Full Moon

New Moon

Private Lands Management Highlight

Forest StewardshipTour, IFAS photo

Independence Day observed Independence Day

Diversify woodland income with other nontimber enterprises such as fruit trees, honey production or other crops. Holmes County Forest Steward, Ken Carroll, has expanded the operations at his family’s Holmes County farm to include other agricultural operations, while continuing the management and conservation of forests and wildlife habitat. Features of the property include 4 man-made fish ponds; a CRP slash pine plantation, a 4-year old loblolly pine plantation, a 2-acre blueberry farm of 800 plants for the commercial market and bee hives for honey production and pollination of melons, apples, blueberries, peaches, and plums. Photo by Chris Demers

August

Whitetop pitcher plant, Sarracenia leucophylla, Northwest Florida photo by Arlo Kane


• Burn logging slash or use it to build brush piles.

• Conduct prescribed burns to benefi t native ground cover.

• Establish fi rebreaks for next year’s prescribed burns.

• Mow between alternate rows within pine stands to eliminate competition and create vegetation of diff erent heights.

• Plan for a site preparation burn to capture pine regeneration.

• Control larger unwanted hardwoods by girdling or felling and apply an appropriate herbicide to the cut area.

• Plant second round of millet in dove fi elds to provide grain for the second phase of dove season.


• Use caution when mowing and chopping near gopher tortoise burrows while young tortoises are hatching.


• To learn how private landowners can help wounded veterans through Operation Outdoor Freedom, visit www.OperationOutdoorFreedom.com

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Full Moon

New Moon

Smokey Bear’s Birthday

Habitat Management TipThe benefits of prescribed fire are many. Just months after this site was burned, grasses and herbaceous plants are returning to the site. Fire promotes flowering of herbaceous species and fruit production of woody species, improves nutritional quality of plants for both wild and domestic animals, enhances nutrient cycling of

some elements and elevates soil pH, maintains required habitat conditions for fire-adapted plant and animal species, results in a more diverse habitat—when planned in a mosaic pattern on the landscape, and prohibits wildfire conditions from developing (i.e., vast accumulation of highly-flammable, dead vegetation.)

Photos by Courtney Tye.

Senior Citizen’s Day

Photo by Courtney Tye

September

Longleaf pine regeneration, Simons Tree Farm, Alachua County, Photo by Chris Demers


• Visit MyFWC.com for information on how private landowners can help the Youth Hunting Program by hosting hunts on their property.

• Establish fi rebreaks for next year’s prescribed burns.

• Apply herbicides for control of hardwoods.

• Conduct site preparation burns to coincide with pine regeneration.

• Plant fall food plots if rainfall is suffi cient.

• Begin mowing or harvesting dove fi elds.

• Plant second round of millet in dove fi elds to provide grain for the second phase of dove season.

• Soil test pastures and adjust pH and fertilization for warm-season forage establishment.


• Scout pastures and hayfi elds for the presence of adult mole crickets and, if abundant, apply nematodes for control.

• Use caution when mowing and chopping near gopher tortoise burrows, while young tortoises are hatching.

• Leave dead trees (i.e., snags) standing to provide valuable habitat for cavity nesters. Consider girdling a few hardwoods for this purpose if more snags are needed.


Carlos Vergara’s Solar Powered Watering Facility, NRCS photo

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Full Moon

New Moon

Labor Day Patriot Day

Take a Child Outside Week 24-30

Native American DayNational Hunting and Fishing Day

National Public Lands Day

Habitat Management TipUse herbicides to kill invasive exotic trees and shrubs such as Chinese tallowtree, Brazilian peppertree, camphortree, ligustrums and others. The hack-n-squirt method is a simple and effective strategy to do this. Simply hack openings with a hatchet around the tree, leaving an open flap. Apply an herbicide with active ingredient triclopyr to the open wound. The tree will die in a couple weeks and won’t sprout.

October

Natural Bridge Private Forest, © Beth Maynor Young/ Cyprus Partners land sales


• Conduct prescribed burns in preparation for planting pine trees.

• Update farm records with your county Farm Service Agency offi ce to ensure application requirements for Farm Bill programs are met.

• Collect seeds from native warm season grasses (e.g., lopsided Indian grass and wiregrass) to reseed other areas of your property.

• Measure forage production and make adjustments to your grazing management plan while native grasses are seeding and easier to identify.

• Fertilize cool season food plots for deer and turkey, following recommendations from a soil test.

• Install bat and owl houses to help control agricultural crop pests.

• Mow mature millet for the second phase of dove season.

• Avoid disturbance around wetlands as fl atwoods salamanders move to breeding ponds during the fi rst heavy rains of this month.

• Check to see if Larra bicolor wasps are controlling mole crickets. If not, consider installing nectar plants, such as shrubby false button weed, next spring to feed wasps.

• Complete deer spotlight or track counts and continue recording incidental observations of wildlife.

• Collect harvest data from all deer harvested; including age, sex, dressed weights, lactation status and antler measurements.

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Full Moon

New Moon

Halloween

Columbus Day

Private Lands Management TipPine straw is simply the needles that fall from pine trees every year. This material can be raked, baled, and sold to garden centers. Pine straw is used by landscapers and homeowners as a mulch or ground cover in gardens and landscaping. If you have an established stand of slash pine or longleaf pine that is eight years of age, you are ready to start pine straw management. Slash and longleaf pines are the only two Florida pine species that can be

baled. The needles of other pines are either too short to be baled or are considered to be of inferior quality for use as mulch or cover. Pine straw contracts can be a lucrative option for landowners in need of mid-rotation income. Income from pine straw can range from $70 to $100 per acre or more and can be focused on relatively few acres if other habitat benefits are important.


November

Florida Scrub Jay, Lake County, photo by Fred Hunter


• Conduct pine thinning operations while conditions are drier.

• Complete wetland dike repairs.

• Begin planting containerized pine seedlings, if moisture is suffi cient.

• Clean out and repair nest boxes (e.g., martin, eastern bluebird, and wood duck) or install new ones.

• Control Brazilian pepper while it is in full bloom.

• Begin heavy brush management (mowing and roller chopping) for saw palmetto dense woody vegetation control.

• Mow mature millet for third phase of dove season.

• Collect seed from native warm season grasses (e.g. lopsided Indiangrass and wiregrass) to reseed other areas of your property.

• Overseed warm-seasonal perennial pastures with ryegrass.

• Scout pastures and treat pests as needed.

• Collect harvest data for all deer harvested, including age, sex, dressed weights, lactation status and antler measurements.

• Flood green-tree reservoirs to a depth of 2-3 feet following a frost.

• Flood another one-third of moist soil areas and diked crop areas to ten inches.


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Full Moon

New Moon

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving

Hurricane Season Ends

Habitat Management TipWild hogs eat just about anything. Hard mast, including acorns, is their preferred food so hogs directly compete with popular game animals like deer and turkey. Hogs may consume the nests and young of reptiles, ground-nesting birds, and mammals. When natural foods are scarce or inaccessible, hogs will readily forage on almost any agricultural crop, tree seedlings and feed set out for livestock and wildlife. Trapping is usually a better method of controlling hog numbers than hunting, especially when the animals are active at night. Cage traps are most effective because they can capture more than one hog at a time. Photo by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

End Daylight Savings

December

“Creation Totem” at Shoal Sanctuary, courtesy of Shoal Sanctuary, Walton County, http://www.shoalsanctuary.com/

Habitat Management Tips• Th in pine stands while weather is dry, especially in xeric scrub

areas. � inning promotes groundcover growth invaluable to many species of wildlife.

• Plan timber harvest schedules for spring and try to include some snag retention.

• Continue planting trees and shrubs that are suited for your soil types. Plant diff erent types of mast-producing trees for attracting wildlife.

• If prescribed burning or grazing is not an option, mow every two to three years to enhance groundcover.

• Mow dense hardwood encroachment areas to enhance groundcover.

• Before mowing, walk hay meadows to reduce wildlife mortality, and consider leaving un-mowed strips around fi eld borders.

• Disk fi elds now through February to create brood habitat for turkey and quail.

• Roller chop to remove understory and improve herbaceous groundcover.

• Be on the lookout and record nesting locations for birds of prey, such as the bald eagle.

• Install kestrel and owl boxes before their nesting season begins in January. � ese species provide a natural pest control service to agricultural producers.

• In pasture, plant ryegrass if temperature is cool enough and moisture is adequate. Begin grazing limpograss after fi rst frost.

• Flood green-tree reservoirs 2-3 feet deep after the fi rst hard freeze.

• Flood remaining moist soil units and diked crop acreage to ten inches.



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Full Moon

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Private Lands Habitat Management Highlight

New Moon

River bank restoration in Northwest FL: About 50% of the lands bordering the Chipola River are agricultural lands that have been converted from forests to crop and grazing land. One approach to improving the water quality of the Chipola River is to work with willing landowners to reduce agricultural impacts and sedimentation by reducing grazing pressure and re-establishing the riparian buffer zones. Biologists from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working with a local farmer, whose land was eroding into the river as a result of cattle using the river as a water source. Biologists were able to show him how much of his pasture was

being lost to the river each year and offered to help restore the river bank and provide an alternate supply of drinking water for the cattle. The first step was to install a fence along the bank to prevent the cattle from accessing the river. Solar wells and troughs are also being installed to provide adequate drinking water for the cattle. After these are completed the bank will be reshaped and re-vegetated to secure the bank from future erosion. The restoration project is funded by the FWC, USFWS, and the landowner.

Wildlife Habitat Management Assistance: Partnerships between various agencies provide landowner assistance programs throughout Florida. These partners across the state are continually striving to improve services, including technical assistance, financial assistance, recognition, monitoring surveys and education. There are also many private consulting businesses available to assist private landowners. More information for landowners is available at: http://FloridaLandSteward.org/.

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