Knowledge

Xuan Wei, Alicia Rihn, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andAlicia Rihn

Rao Mylavarapu, Zachary Brym, Luis Monserrate, and Michael J. Mulvaney

Charles Adams, Joy Hazell, Lisa Krimsky, Bryan Fluech, Elizabeth Staugler, John Stevely, and Robert Botta

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Mary Hannah Miller, Nicole M. W. Dodds, and Alexa J. Lamm

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Charles M. Adams, Lisa Krimsky, Charles M. Adams, andBryan Fluech

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Citizen awareness of food systems and the environment

Nicole M. W. Dodds, Mary Hannah Miller, and Alexa J. Lamm

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Sadie Hundemer and Shenara Ramadan

Meaningful engagement by the public in the water decisions that affect their lives requires basic scientific knowledge, such as where their water comes from, the factors that affect quality and availability, and the challenges that influence water supply. A 2020 study suggests that Florida and Georgia residents lack fundamental knowledge about their water resources, including regional water processes, including its challenges, and policies. This is the base information that would enable a person to competently participate in water discussions and make citizen-level voting decisions on topics related to the Floridan aquifer. The knowledge deficits identified in the study are areas on which water communicators can build the public’s water science comprehension and, thereby, support increased public engagement. The findings also suggest the level of water science complexity that the public is equipped to understand. 

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, andAlicia Rihn

Neonicotinoid (neonic) pesticides have been facing intense scrutiny because of their potential role in pollinator insect population declines. Research has shown that insecticide use in general has resulted in $284 million per year in damages to honeybee and pollinator services in the United States. This is especially worrying because food supply would fail to meet increasing global food demand without pollinator insects.

Samiul Haque, Hayk Khachatryan, andMichelle Atkinson

Stormwater ponds are integral to Florida’s landscape, with thousands in residential communities. Excess nutrients, urbanization, shoreline erosion, poor maintenance, and climate changes all add stress and can threaten ponds' key functions in reducing flooding and improving water quality. Despite challenges, stormwater ponds remain crucial for communities. Pond function depends on good management decisions by homeowners and HOA boards. This publication is one of a series on Florida stormwater pond management designed to assist Extension educators in identifying knowledge gaps among homeowners about stormwater ponds. We learned what homeowners in HOA communities know about sustainable pond management and landscaping, examining their understanding of major pond functions, low-maintenance buffer zone requirements, appropriate plant selection, and whether serving on an HOA board influences knowledge levels.