Equine, Pets & Wildlife   

We live in "The horse capital of the world." Join Thomas Sweeney owner of Port Royal Racing, who is also working press for Tampa Bay Downs and a multi-state licensed professional horseman.

 

 

Part 1 of this 2 part course will cover the basics from breeding to the starting gate! In Part 2 we will attend a Thoroughbred auction at the world famous Ocala Breeders Sales where many of these equine athletes will fetch upwards of $1,000,000! Tom will "escort" you "backstage" at the sales! This is a great primer on "The Sport of Kings...and Queens!

We live in "The horse capital of the world." Join Thomas Sweeney owner of Port Royal Racing, who is also working press for Tampa Bay Downs and a multi-state licensed professional horseman.

 

 

Part 1 of this 2 part course will cover the basics from breeding to the starting gate! In Part 2 we will attend a Thoroughbred auction at the world famous Ocala Breeders Sales where many of these equine athletes will fetch upwards of $1,000,000! Tom will "escort" you "backstage" at the sales! This is a great primer on "The Sport of Kings...and Queens!

To complement the visiting lecture on March 14 by Dr. Bill Hilton Jr. about hummingbird migration, this one-session class will describe the three species of hummingbirds found in Central Florida- the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the Rufous Hummingbird, and the Black-chinned Hummingbird. Information about identifying the three species, how to attract them, and how they live their lives will be provided through class discussion and a video presentation. 

Some of the largest and most powerful birds fall into the collective category of Raptors. Some soar high overhead and dive at speeds up to 200 MPH on unsuspecting prey. Some are smaller than robins and weigh in at less than 2.5 ounces. Many of these birds look alike. This two-part class is designed to help you sort them out.

There are 56 species in 15 genera in this family throughout North America. We will look at 32 which can be seen in north central Florida – 17 in Session I and 15 in session ll. They will be arranged in groups by the season during which they are expected to be seen. Warblers are very active little birds. Colors vary from very bright and cheery to very drab olive and dull brown, similar to sparrows. No matter the color, they will brighten any day!

Recently, zoos around the world have come under fire from animal rights organizations spewing half truths and lies about the industry. This course will be taught by a retired zookeeper as we lift the curtain and go behind the scenes to see what life at a zoo is truly like for these animals.

The Attwater's Prairie Chicken is one of North America's most endangered bird species. In this course, participants will get an inside look at what the state of Texas and local zoos are doing to save this animal from extinction.

Did you know there are 17 different species of penguin? Did you know they can only be found in the Southern Hemisphere? Discover the penguins of the world and what makes these birds so unique!

Wild hogs can be very problematic and can cause thousands of dollars in damage overnight. This course will discuss the biology of wild hogs in Florida, resources that may attract them and methods of control.  

  Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.

Coyotes are very common in residential areas. You may encounter them while walking your pet or looking for local food sources. Coyotes are very resourceful, we will talk about how to stay safe and prevent close encounters with coyotes. 

Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County. 

Bats provide many ecological benefits in Florida including assisting with mosquito and insect pest control. Join in to learn more about bat species that may be inconspicuously flying around your neighborhood. 

Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.