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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 1h

🎉 Congratulations to Don Scarbrough! 🌟 Celebrating 10 years with Florida LAKEWATCH, Don’s monitoring of the Floral Lakes (Big Bass, Boca Cove, Flora, Gaskin’s Cut, Little Bass) is supplying data for long-term monitoring. Thanks for a decade of citizen science! 💧🐟

Recognition graphic celebrating 10 years of Florida LAKEWATCH volunteer service. A volunteer stands holding a blue LAKEWATCH sample bag against a light blue background. Text reads “Congratulations! Don Scarbough,” “Polk County,” “Floral Lakes: Big Bass, Boca Cove, Flora, Gaskin’s Cut, Little Bass,” and “10 Years.” A gold award ribbon is displayed on the right.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

🌿 This Week's Trick or Treat: LAKEWATCH Edition! 👻 Trick or Treat? If you see aquatic plants in a lake, something is wrong. What's your guess? Let us know before you swipe! 🌙 LAKEWATCH volunteers help uncover Florida's lake mysteries one sample at a time! 🧪👻

Halloween-themed "Trick or Treat" graphic in tan, orange, and navy colors. Text asks: "This week's mystery: If you see aquatic plants in a lake, something is wrong." Buttons labeled Treat and Trick appear at the bottom.

Halloween-themed answer graphic labeled "Trick." Text explains that aquatic plants are a natural part of many Florida lakes. They provide habitat for fish and wildlife, help stabilize sediments, and vary from lake to lake. LAKEWATCH volunteers collect long-term data to help document these differences over time.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

👻🦇 Introducing Trick or Treat: LAKEWATCH Edition! 🍬🔍 This week's mystery: 👻 Trick or Treat? Clear water tells you everything there is to know about a lake. What's your guess? Let us know before you swipe! 🌙 LAKEWATCH volunteers help uncover Florida's lake mysteries one sample at a time! 🧪👻

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Before a long trip, give your trailer one final look. Check tires, wheel nuts, hitch, coupling, rollers, lights, wiring, and visible hardware. If your trailer has brakes, test them safely before the highway. Check back all September for more maintenance tips!

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

📣 Cheers to David and Joyce Bittle! This duo has reached an incredible milestone, celebrating 20 years of monitoring Crystal Bowl Lake in Seminole County. Their consistency has made a lasting impact through the data they provide. Thank you for two decades of support for Florida LAKEWATCH!

Congratulations graphic for David and Joyce Bittle of Seminole County, Lake Crystal Bowl, celebrating 20 years with LakeWatch. The couple is pictured holding light blue LAKEWATCH shirts.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Your hitch and coupling matter. Before towing, make sure the ball fits snugly, the fastener pin is secure, and nearby bolts are tight. Keep rollers, spindles, brackets, and pins clean and greased. Check back all September for more maintenance tips!

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Congratulations to Nancy LaRiviere! 🌟 We are thrilled to recognize Nancy for her commitment to LAKEWATCH. For 10 years, she has monitored Lake Winnemissett in Volusia County, providing essential data. Thank you, Nancy, for a decade of service and your passion for citizen science!

Congratulations graphic for Nancy Lariviere of Volusia County, Lake Winnemissett, celebrating 10 years with LakeWatch. Nancy is pictured holding a blue LAKEWATCH sampling bag.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Before each trip, check trailer tire pressure, tread, wheel nuts, and the spare. Wheels should spin freely without wobbling. Keep wheel bearings greased, but do not overfill them. Check back all September for more boat and trailer maintenance tips!

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

We were proud to host the “An Afternoon with LAKEWATCH” session at FLMS 2026! From mercury and PFAS research to lake food webs, invasive species, volunteer engagement, and 40+ years of lake monitoring, our team shared how science and volunteers help us better understand and monitor Florida’s lakes.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Congratulations to Margaret and Michael Bundy! 💧 We’re proud to celebrate this pair for 20 years of service monitoring Cub Lake in Seminole County. Their commitment ensures high-quality data for our lakes. Thank you for your outstanding contribution to citizen science!

Congratulations graphic for Margaret and Michael Bundy of Seminole County, Lake Cub, celebrating 20 years with LAKEWATCH. The couple is pictured holding a light blue LakeWatch shirt.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

After a day at the lake, rinse your trailer with fresh water and let it dry. Pay attention to welds, joins, drain holes, suspension areas, wheel arches, and mudguards. Mud and salt can speed up corrosion. Check back all September for more maintenance tips!

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

🌟 LAKEWATCH Highlight 🌟 Congrats to Glen and Linda Temple for 30 years of service! Monitoring Lake Hickorynut in Orange County, they have spent three decades contributing invaluable data. We are grateful for their lifelong commitment to monitoring Florida's aquatic environments!

Congratulations graphic for Glen and Linda Temple of Orange County, Lake Hickorynut, celebrating 30 years with LAKEWATCH. The couple is pictured wearing UF IFAS shirts and holding an award.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Warm weather means more time on Florida lakes. Before you head to the ramp, rinse your trailer, check for rust, tighten wheel nuts, inspect tires, and secure the hitch pin. Safe boating starts on the road. Check back all September for more boat and trailer maintenance tips!

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

🌊 Got questions about Florida’s lakes? Call 1-800-LAKEWATCH! 💧 Our Regional Coordinators are here to train volunteers, collect data, and guide lake management efforts. Your go-to team for freshwater science! 🧪🌿

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

✨ Monitoring Florida’s waters every month? Kinda chic. ✨ Contributing to one of the nation’s largest citizen science programs? Kinda chic. ✨ Collecting data that helps us better understand Florida’s waters? Definitely chic! A huge thanks to our Florida LAKEWATCH volunteers. Y’all are LAKEWATCH chic!

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

🐦 Meet the Green Heron: Florida's Tiny Fisher and Tool User 🌿 One of the few birds known to use tools, Green Herons may drop insects onto the water to lure fish. Learn about their unique hunting behavior, nesting habits, and where to spot them in Florida. 🔗 new.express.adobe.com/webpage/P56E...

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

🌊 Family, Science, and Stewardship: Meet LAKEWATCH Volunteers John and Bella 🐬 From monthly lake sampling to unforgettable wildlife encounters, John and Bella are helping build long-term water quality data while making memories along the way. 🔗 new.express.adobe.com/webpage/P56E...

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

🤝 Stronger Together: Pasco County's LaMP and LAKEWATCH Partnership in Action Pasco County and Florida LAKEWATCH expanded lake monitoring from 5 to 25 lakes in one year. Learn how citizen science is helping guide lake management and restoration efforts. 🔗 new.express.adobe.com/webpage/P56E...

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

🧪 From Florida lakes to Wisconsin labs! LAKEWATCH PhD student Baylor Lynch is studying how mercury moves through aquatic food webs using samples from four Florida lakes. 🔗 new.express.adobe.com/webpage/P56E...

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

🌊 New Publication Highlight A new BioInvasions Records paper documents the spread of invasive swamp eels in Florida. LAKEWATCH master's student Noah Peterson contributed with partners from FWC, Florida Museum, and USGS. Findings support monitoring and management efforts. 📖 go.ufl.edu/swamp-eel

New Research graphic featuring photos of introduced swamp eels from Central Florida. Headline announces recent spread and first documented Florida collections of cuchia (Ophichthys cuchia), with research link.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

🌊 Why is so much sargassum washing up across the Keys? Florida Sea Grant Agent Shelly Krueger explains the 2026 Sargassum Inundation Event, what's driving it, and how it affects beaches, waterways, and coastal ecosystems. 🔗 blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/monroeco/202...

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

🎉 Celebrating LAKEWATCH’s Natalie Anderson! Congrats to Natalie for earning the UF/IFAS Web Hero Award for her work on the Florida LAKEWATCH site redesign, making it more modern, accessible, and volunteer-friendly. 🌊 Explore: lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Gizzard Shad are the filter-feeding cleanup crew of lakes and rivers. Fun fact: they have a muscular stomach called a gizzard that grinds up mud and organic debris to squeeze out nutrients. Weird-looking and efficient.

Educational freshwater fish graphic showing a gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum. Text includes: Spawn spring, Diet plankton and detritus, Nest no nest, and links to Florida freshwater fish educational websites.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

🌊 Florida’s lakes bring people together for fishing, boating, paddling, wildlife viewing, and making memories outdoors. This Lake Appreciation Month, take time to enjoy your favorite lake and appreciate the volunteers collecting long-term lake data year-round. 💙

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

🌊 Celebrate Lake Appreciation Month with NALMS Lake Bingo! 🛶☀️ Enjoy your local lake with this fun activity featuring wildlife spotting, outdoor adventures, and lake exploration for all ages. 🎯 Download the bingo sheet: earthsciencelabs.com/bingo/

earthsciencelabs.com

Lakes Appreciation Bingo - Earth Science Laboratories

In honor of national Lakes Appreciation Month, we have created a fun way to encourage everyone to get out and fully enjoy their area lakes.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

🔬 Every water sample collected by LAKEWATCH volunteers adds to a long-term record of Florida lake conditions. These consistent monthly measurements help document trends and changes over time across hundreds of waterbodies statewide.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Florida Gar look prehistoric because they basically are. Fun fact: Florida gar can gulp air at the surface using a modified swim bladder that works almost like a lung. Ancient, armored, and completely unbothered.

Educational freshwater fish graphic featuring a Florida gar, Lepisosteus platyrhincus, on a light background. Text lists: Spawn spring, Diet fish, crustaceans, and insects, Nest vegetation, plus links to Florida freshwater fish resources.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

🌞 One of the best parts of LAKEWATCH volunteering is time on the water. This Lake Appreciation Month, volunteer pup Otter is reminding us to enjoy the ride while collecting long-term lake data on Alligator Lake in Osceola County. 🐶🚤🌿

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

🌊 Celebrate Lake Appreciation Month with the Great American Secchi Dip-In! Join volunteers across North America in measuring water clarity and contributing to long-term lake data collection. 💧📊 🔗 www.nalms.org/secchidipin/

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Wood Ducks look like someone gave a duck a luxury makeover. Fun fact: unlike most ducks, Wood Ducks perch and nest in trees using sharp claws built for gripping bark. Fancy, athletic, and a little dramatic.

Male wood duck standing on a rock in a wooded area. Text reads: “Wood Duck, Aix sponsa.” Info box lists: Length 18.5 in, Weight 1.5 lbs, Nest: deciduous tree cavity, Diet: aquatic invertebrates, Forage: dabbles.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

📊 Curious about your lake’s data? LAKEWATCH volunteers collect long-term information on water clarity, nutrients, chlorophyll, and more across Florida lakes. Explore the Data Dashboard here: lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/data--report...

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Flagfish are the tiny algae grazers quietly keeping Florida waters tidy. Fun fact: those bold stripes and tail spot make them look like a swimming flag, while they snack on algae most fish ignore. Small, useful, and surprisingly flashy.

Freshwater Fish poster featuring the Flagfish (Jordanella floridae), a colorful Florida native with iridescent scales and red markings. Feeds on algae and small invertebrates. Spawns spring through summer, mating in vegetation where nests are built.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

💙 July is Lake Appreciation Month! Thank you to our 589 active LAKEWATCH volunteers monitoring 581 waterbodies across Florida. Your monthly efforts help build one of the largest long-term lake monitoring datasets in the country. 🌊🚤

Collage-style graphic with photos of volunteers receiving awards, holding paddles, kayaking, and posing in groups indoors and outdoors. Gold confetti overlays the design with large script text reading “Celebrating Volunteers.”

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

🕶️ Protect your eyes on the lake. Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to reduce glare and eye strain. Remember to remove sunglasses during Secchi readings to ensure accurate water clarity measurements.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Wood storks look like they wandered out of another era, and that’s not far off. They come from an ancient bird lineage, and the bare, scaly head and heavy bill are designs that stuck because they work. Weathered, odd, and built to last.

Bird graphic showing Wood stork (Mycteria americana) standing near water. Text lists length 40.2 inches, weight 8 pounds, nesting in pine trees on platforms, diet of fish, and probing foraging behavior.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of LAKEWATCH Service 🎉 Woody Fraser is recognized for 15 years of volunteer monitoring on Lake Fish. His long-term dedication and data collection have strengthened our understanding of the lake. Thank you, Woody!

Graphic featuring a volunteer holding a wooden paddle. Text reads “Congratulations! Woody Fraser, Collier County, Lake Fish” with a badge showing “15 Years” on a blue background.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

💧 Stay hydrated on the lake. Drink water regularly, eat hydrating foods, and take shade breaks when needed. Drink before you feel thirsty, use electrolytes if you are sweating, and cool down with shade or a cooling towel.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Everglades pygmy sunfish look plain until breeding season. Then males go full glow‑up, turning jet black with electric‑blue spots that flash in dark, still water. One of the most dramatic makeovers hiding in plain sight.

Freshwater fish graphic showing Everglades pygmy sunfish (Elassoma evergladei) in side view. Text highlights spring spawning, a diet of small invertebrates, and nesting in vegetation.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

🌞 Sun smart on the lake. Wear long sleeves, wide brimmed hats, UV protective clothing, and sunglasses to help protect your skin. Clothing plus sunscreen equals better sun protection. 🛡️

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of LAKEWATCH Service 🎉 Gary Sexton marks 15 years as a dedicated volunteer on Lakes Center and Coon. His consistent monitoring and commitment continue to support the LAKEWATCH program. Thank you, Gary!

Graphic featuring a volunteer holding a wooden paddle. Text reads “Congratulations! Gary Sexton, Collier County, Lake Center & Coon” with a badge showing “15 Years” on a blue background.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

🌞 Sun Safety Tips for LAKEWATCH Volunteers Florida summers are intense. Protect your skin on the water with broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Choose water‑resistant formulas, reapply every 2 hours, wear SPF lip balm, and apply 30 minutes before heading out. 🛡️🌊

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Eastern mosquitofish are the fish you notice in mucky ditches and pond edges when everything else has checked out. Fun fact: they can breathe at the surface using a modified swim bladder. Scrappy, weird, and hard to ignore.

Freshwater fish graphic showing Eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) with two side views. Text notes spawning from spring to fall, diet of insects, algae, and detritus, and no nest

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

From Ellen Swallow Richards to Florida LAKEWATCH, 140 years of water‑quality monitoring connects science and community. As LAKEWATCH turns 40, volunteer data keeps her legacy alive. 📖 new.express.adobe.com/webpage/RA0K... 📸 George Grantham Bain Collection, Library of Congress.

Black-and-white portrait of Ellen Swallow Richards later in her career, shown from the chest up against a dark background, with her name displayed above. Image from the George Grantham Bain Collection, Library of Congress.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

🤎 Tricolored Heron Feeding Fact: Tricolored Herons dash and pivot through shallow waters, chasing small fish and aquatic insects. Their fast, agile hunting sets them apart from other wading birds. 🐟🦗 📘 Learn more: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/...

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

🔬 Ask the Expert: From Shore to Stream What are microplastics and why should we care? Dr. Anna Braswell explains where they come from, how they move through Florida’s waters, and what’s being done to track and reduce them. 🔗 new.express.adobe.com/webpage/RA0K...

Graphic titled “Ask the Expert: From Shore to Stream, The Microplastic Challenge in Our Water.” Features a portrait of Dr. Anna Braswell, Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist, smiling outdoors against a leafy background.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

🌟 Dollar Sunfish Fun Fact 🌟 Dollar sunfish may be small, but they’re big on color. Their bright blues, greens, and oranges shine in shallow, plant‑filled waters where they feed on insects and small invertebrates. 🐟🌿 🔗 ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00000131/0...

Illustration of a dollar sunfish on a light background, showing a round body with iridescent blue, green, and orange markings. Text identifies Dollar Sunfish (Lepomis marginatus), spring-to-summer spawning, insect and small fish diet, and shallow depression nests.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

💙 Thank you and farewell, Marina! 💙 As Marina Schwartz moves on to her next chapter, we thank her for an incredible impact on Florida LAKEWATCH. From volunteer support to modernizing our data systems, her work leaves a lasting legacy. 🔗 new.express.adobe.com/webpage/RA0K...

Split‑layout image showing Marina outdoors collecting fish samples at a table in a wooded area. She is smiling and wearing gloves while working. Text overlay reads, “Here’s to new adventures. Farewell Marina. Good luck on your new adventure. Your friends at LAKEWATCH will miss you.

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UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

🤍 Snowy Egret Feeding Fact: Snowy Egrets stalk shallow waters, using quick foot shuffles to stir up fish, insects, and crustaceans before striking with precision. This active feeding style makes them a joy to watch. 🐟🦐 📘 Learn more: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/...

Snowy egret standing in shallow water near vegetation, its white body reflected on the surface. The bird has slender black legs and a sharp yellow bill. Text identifies Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), length 24 inches, weight 0.8 pounds, platform tree nest, fish and invertebrate diet, and stalk-and-strike foraging.

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