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Aquaphyte Newsletter by the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

In this newsletter...

  • Podcast: Introducing Working in the Weeds
  • Video: Low-level Maintenance Control
  • Spotlight: Biologists at CAIP
  • Education and Outreach
  • News, Events, and Jobs
  • Latest Blog Posts
  • Highlights From the Field

Cover Photo: Silver River in Ocala, Florida (By Jonathan Glueckert, UF/IFAS CAIP Biologist). Photo (left) by Kelli Gladding (UF/IFAS CAIP Biologist).

PODCAST: Introducing Working In The Weeds

Working In The Weeds is a new podcast by the University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. This podcast will connect scientists with stakeholders, clarify issues surrounding invasive plants, and highlight the research being conducted at the Center. Do you have questions for our podcast? Email caip@ifas.ufl.edu. Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode!

VIDEO: Low-level Maintenance Control

Water hyacinth is a rapidly growing invasive plant that has been a management challenge in Florida for over 130 years. It impedes navigation, irrigation, and recreation while reducing water quality and sheltering mosquito species responsible for spreading human diseases. Managing water hyacinth is critical for protecting Florida's waterways and human health.

CAIP researchers are testing maintenance control of water hyacinth with mesocosm experiments. Every mesocosm, or tank, acts as a model lake system. They are each managed differently in order to investigate the three research goals.

Spotlight: Biologists at CAIP

UF/IFAS CAIP is proud to have a team of highly skilled biologists working throughout the state on various projects related to invasive plant management and research.

Grace Bell — Gainesville

Grace Bell is Dr. Ben Sperry's newest hire. She is serving as an OPS employee and will be helping with various studies and fieldwork activities. Grace graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Environmental Resource Management.

"While working as a park ranger at Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania I met Dr. Sperry and he introduced me to the world of aquatic weeds and weed science and brought me down and showed me what all CAIP does," Grace shared. Being able to go out on the boat and spend time on the water is her favorite part of the job.

Mike Durham — Gainesville

Mike Durham is a senior biological scientist at CAIP. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida (UF) in botany and weed science, respectively.

Prior to his current position, Mike worked as a technician for the USDA-ARS in Raleigh, North Carolina, from 2001-2007. He moved to Gainesville in 2007 and started his career at UF as a biological scientist overseeing the pesticide program at the Plant Science Research and Education Center. From 2010 to 2021, he worked for the weed science group through the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, focusing mainly on weed control in agronomic crops, pastures, and industrial areas.

Coral Foster — West Palm Beach

Coral Foster works in South Florida as a remote biological research technician. In her role, she maintains a mesocosm facility, studies various management techniques for Golden Pothos and Arrowhead Vine, and is also helping with an ongoing effort to find the lowest concentration of herbicide needed to effectively manage Old World Climbing Fern.

Coral graduated from Mars Hill University in North Carolina with a degree in biology concentrating in Ecology and Field Sciences- with a minor in environmental science. She is currently completing her master's degree in marine and environmental biology from Nicholls State University in coastal Louisiana.

Coral Foster always knew that she would be contributing to science in some capacity. Both of her parents are scientists, her father an engineer and her mother an entomologist. "Growing up in my household we were always encouraged to question everything and find the answers ourselves. This developed my passion for science at a very early age," Coral shared.

Kelli Gladding — New Symyrna Beach

Kelli Gladding is a graduate of Rollins College with her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Currently, Kelli works with CAIP as a research biologist.

As a young girl, Kelli would hike trails with her father, and together they would carry bags to collect trash. Through her passion for conservation, Kelli started her natural resource career early. In college, she started working for the Nature Conservancy which turned into an internship with AmeriCorps. During this time she was working with various bat species across the southeastern United States. Although she enjoyed working with bats, plants were her passion. She started working for the Department of Environmental Protection as a regional biologist and loved working on our state's waterways — and the rest is history. Now, Kelli loves exploring new management techniques and enhancing native plant communities.

Jonathan Glueckert — Loxahatchee

Jonathan Glueckert received his bachelor's degree from Sienna College in upstate New York where he studied environmental science. After working several seasonal jobs for the Forest Service in Idaho, Jonathan moved to Florida to work at CAIP with Dr. Stephen Enloe as a biologist on an interagency project with Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The agencies came together due to highly invasive Lygodium microphyllum, commonly known as Old World climbing fern.

Jonathan has decided to begin the master’s program at the UF/IFAS Agronomy department in order to achieve his goal of working in a land management position for a federal or state agency in the future. Upon graduation, Jonathan would like to continue researching and managing invasive plants in south Florida and beyond.

Education and Outreach

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

Want CAIP to visit your organization?

The Center would like to connect with North/Central Florida community organizations that are interested in learning about aquatic and invasive plants and how they impact Florida.

If you are interested in connecting with us virtually or in-person, please contact us.

PREVIOUS OUTREACH

Technical and Communication Workshop with Army Corps of Engineers – Jacksonville District

November 9-10, 2021 – UF/IFAS CAIP faculty and staff travelled to Palatka, Florida, to presented a technical and communication workshop for the Army Corps of Engineers – Jacksonville District. This workshop included presentations on the following topics:

  • History of Aquatic Weed Control: Why is USACE Involved? (Presented by Dr. Jay Ferrell)
  • Plant Management: Myths and Misconceptions (Presented by Dr. Ben Sperry)
  • Herbicide Regulation, Labeling, and Enforcement (Presented by Dr. Jay Ferrell)
  • Herbicide Use Patterns (Presented by Dr. Ben Sperry)
  • Herbicide Mode of Action (Presented by Dr. Stephen Enloe)
  • Field Trip to Rodman Reservoir
  • Environmental Fate of Herbicides (Presented by Dr. Jay Ferrell)
  • Herbicide Selectivity (Presented by Dr. Stephen Enloe)
  • Formulations and Adjuvants (Presented by Dr. Ben Sperry)
  • Fish Kills: Why and When Do They Happen? (Presented by Dr. Stephen Enloe)
  • Application Technology: How to Keep Herbicide on Target (Presented by Dr. Ben Sperry)
  • Seven Simple Rules for Discussing Herbicide Efficacy (Presented by Dr. Stephen Enloe)
  • Basics of Communicating Science (Presented by Raychel Rabon and Christine Krebs)
  • Mastering Your Message: Quick and Concise Conversations (Presented by Raychel Rabon and Christine Krebs)

Lake Charles Homeowner's Association Meeting

Dr. James Leary and Kelli Gladding recently visited the Lake Charles Homeowner Association to discuss lake management options for troublesome plant species. The meeting concluded with Dr. Leary and local extension agent, Kailyn Taylor, planning to develop a management plant in collaboration with the residents.

Dr. Leary presenting to residents at the Lake Charles HOA meeting.

News, Events, and Jobs

Latest News

New Hires — Grace Bell, Chad Rose, and Benjamin Tuttle

  • Grace Bell joins the Center as a biological scientist working with Dr. Ben Sperry. In her role at the Center, Grace will be assisting in research and fieldwork activities.
  • Chad Rose will be working closely with Dr. Enloe. Rose on a wide array of projects with a focus on woody invasive plant control.
  • Benjamin Tuttle will also be working with Dr. Enloe's lab. Tuttle has been brought in to work on a Department of Defense project about novel approaches and glyphosate alternatives for invasive plant control.

New Graduate Student — CAIP welcomes our newest graduate student: Colin Lewis. Colin is a master's student in School of Natural Resources and Environment studying interdisciplinary ecology with and is advised by Dr. James Leary and Dr. Ben Sperry. He received his bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in organisms and ecology from Florida Gulf Coast University. His research will focus on establishing use patterns for unmanned aircraft systems applications in aquatic systems.

Upcoming Events

January 11, 2022 | FWC Technical Advisory Group Meeting

The FWC Technical Advisory Group will be meeting at the UF/IFAS Straughn Center. This group's meeting will end with a tour of the UF/IFAS CAIP research facilities.

January 12, 2022 | FWC Technical Training

A technical training will be hosted by CAIP at the UF/IFAS Straughn Center to several FWC regional biologists. Following their training participants will be invited to visit UF/IFAS CAIP research facilities.

February 4, 2022 | FL Native Plant Society Facebook LIVE Lunch and Learn

Dr. Jay Ferrell and Christine Krebs will be presenting about the Center and the impacts of invasive plants in Florida at the Native Plant Society lunch and learn in February. This presentation will be available to all native plant society members. You can find more information on the Florida Native Plant Society website. If you would like us to visit your organization, submit a request on our website.

Jobs

NAVICO INC. Business Acquisition Manager

This person will focus on the growth of BioBase users and take care of their account needs (e.g., quotes, account management, support). They’ll also become subject matter experts and focus on how BioBase can serve the needs of aquatic professionals, aquatic management, and conservation. There’s a traditional business component, but also seeking someone who understands and has technical skills when it comes to aquatic science and technology. The position is in Florida (remote with access to our Ft Lauderdale office when needed). Visit the job for more information.

Vegetation Management Technician (Science Tech 3)

South Florida Water Management District — The primary responsibility of this position is to direct, oversee and monitor vegetation management measures in the Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) and other constructed wetlands managed by the District. Management measures are employed to ensure establishment and maintenance of desired vegetation communities and control plant species that impact water quality treatment capabilities.

The incumbent will instruct and direct District contractors in aerial and ground application of herbicides, mechanical removal of undesirable vegetation, and measures to promote establishment of desired plant species, including supplemental plantings. The incumbent will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of these vegetation management efforts. Read more

Vegetation Management Scientist (Scientist 4)

West Palm Beach Administrative Headquarters — The primary responsibility of this position is to direct, oversee and monitor vegetation management measures in the District’s Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) for the purpose of sustaining maximum nutrient sequestration by the water quality treatment system. Management measures are employed to ensure establishment and maintenance of desired vegetation communities and associated phosphorus uptake mechanisms, and control plant species that impact treatment capabilities.

The incumbent will instruct and direct District contractors in application of herbicides, mechanical removal of undesirable vegetation, and measures to promote establishment of desired plant species, including supplemental plantings. The incumbent will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of these vegetation management efforts. In addition, the incumbent will assist with evaluating the efficacy of vegetation management strategies and using this information to provide recommendations for their strategic implementation, and to develop other innovative management measures. Read more

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Blooming Natives

Social Media Holiday Campaign

Every Friday during the month of December, UF/IFAS CAIP highlighted winter-blooming Florida native plants that. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to learn more. For more information on native and invasive plants, visit the UF/IFAS CAIP Plant Directory.

Latest Blog Posts

For more blogs or to subscribe, visit the UF/IFAS CAIP Blog.

A Breath of Fresh Air (Summer Intern’s Version)

By Christine Krebs, Posted: December 6, 2021 — At the start of 2021, Ellie Littler knew she needed a breath of fresh air from the pressures of being a college student during a global pandemic. Elizabeth “Ellie” Littler, a third-year plant science major from Deland, Florida, saw an email from her academic advisor about the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants summer internship – she knew she had to apply. Read more

Research Guide: Low-level Maintenance Control

By Christine Krebs, Posted: November 30, 2021 — In this study, research biologist Ben Sperry, professor Lyn Gettys, and center director and professor Jay Ferrell are replicating a significant study done by University of Florida researcher Joe Joyce that was published in the Aquatics magazine’s 1985 winter issue. Read more

A Budding Invasive Plant Researcher

By Christine Krebs, Posted: November 24, 2021 — The UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants appreciates the dedication and hard work brought forth by our undergraduate interns. Cape Coral native, Hannah Brown, is no exception. As a senior double majoring in chemistry and biology, Brown accepted an internship position with the Center last summer and has grown into a budding invasive plant researcher. Read more

Growing and Learning Through Research

By Christine Krebs, Posted: November 8, 2021 — UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences student Ethan Church is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in forest resources and conservation from the UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences and a minor in soil and water sciences. When he’s not in the classroom, Ethan works as an undergraduate research assistant for the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants under the guidance of Professor Stephen Enloe. Read more

Not So Scary Biological Control Agents

By Olivia Doyle, Posted: October 28, 2021 — While you may find some of these creatures spooky, biological control agents are not so scary after all. Biological control agents include insects, fish, or pathogens that target a specific invasive plant and increase the competitive advantage of native plants. Read more

From The Field

Photos, stories, and updates from CAIP faculty and staff

Dr. Candice Prince advised two undergraduate summer interns, Elizabeth "Ellie" Littler and Hannah Brown. During the fall, these students continued working for the Center as research assistants.
Fall is a great time to look for asters in Florida. The pink climbing aster at the base of the cypress tree was found on the Withlacoochee River (top left) and the yellow swamp sunflower was found on Orange Lake (bottom left). Cuban bulrush (Cyperus blepharoleptos) is an invasive sedge that forms dense floating mats. We are partnering with researchers from Mississippi State University to study the seasonal phenology of Cuban bulrush. Part of this study includes trying to fit large samples into small bags (pictured right). Our newest hire at CAIP, Grace Bell, is assisting Mike Durham with work on the Withlacoochee River (bottom middle).
CAIP biologist Coral Foster out on her Kayak scouting for new locations to research invasive vines on the Loxahatchee River.
Check out these incredible fall colors that CAIP Biologists Kelli Gladding and Jonathan Glueckert (pictured bottom right) captured from Silver River, located just east of Ocala.
CAIP Biologist Coral Foster catching her first crawfish. Coral is assisting a fellow scientist catch, ID species and sex, and take hemolymph samples for a research project.
Aerial drone shots of Silver River taken by CAIP Biologist Jonathan Glueckert.

Additional Resources

Aquaphyte is an electronic newsletter from the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (UF/IFAS CAIP). The newsletter is produced for managers, researchers, agencies and other interested stakeholders. The purpose of Aquaphyte is to share research, accomplishments and other news from UF/IFAS CAIP.