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!

Florida is WILD! From coyotes to snakes, "Living Alongside Florida Wildlife" will provide homeowners with information, tips and tricks on how to coexist with the critters of the Sunshine State, as well as deter them from taking up residence where they may not be welcomed. 

On a cool Lexington evening at Calumet Farm, Alydar, the most prolific stallion of 1990, was alone in his stall at 10 pm when he mysteriously broke the cannon bone in his right hind leg. He was ultimately euthanized, and the insurance companies paid $40.1 million for his accidental death. It wasn't until Calumet's bankruptcy that it became clear that Alydar was worth more dead than alive. Although there was an FBI investigation and two federal trials, the death of Alydar remained a mystery. Author Fred M. Kray set out to solve it.

Combing through court records, and interviewing over twenty-five witnesses, the author takes you behind the scenes of the FBI investigation and the trials providing information never before known. In his interviews with witnesses, he untangles the different stories told in court and in interviews and reaches a startling conclusion.

The author will take students with him on his investigative trail from start to finish with moderator Tammy Gannt. Talk and book signing. 

Florida has many entry points for invasive species and a welcoming climate for most. Learn about the newest invasive species in our area and species to be on the lookout for. We will cover common terms used to describe invasive species and health risks associated with certain species that have been introduced.

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

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.

The La Chua Trail is an unusual birding experience. This short, 1/2-mile walk to a boardwalk in the northern section of Paynes Prairie Preserve near Gainesville offers close-up looks at some of the most interesting and unusual birds of north central Florida. Limpkin, bittern, herons, egrets, snipe, and on and on.

This two-part class will begin with a classroom discussion and video presentation on many of the birds we are likely to see. The second session is a field trip to the La Chua Trail. There is a $5.00 fee per car for entry onto the site. We will set up a carpool to keep costs down. An optional luncheon will follow at a nearby diner where we will make up a list of all the birds we have seen and/or heard.

Enjoy a morning at Silver Springs State Park learning about the natural and cultural/historical resources of the area. Group will meet at the archway (main entrance off Rt 40). Participants will spend the morning with a Park Ranger to learn about the importance of the Silver River, starting near the head spring.
After a Glass Bottom Boat tour, they will walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk and Blue Trail to take a tram ride through the Sandhill Natural Community, with the last stop at the Silver River Museum. After the museum, they will tram back to the main entrance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and must be able to walk at least one mile, some on uneven ground.

Cost includes: park ranger tour, glass bottom boat ride, and tram ride. Students will drive to the location and meet at the Entry Arch to Silver Springs State Park, Route 40 entrance. 

Florida is growing by leaps and bounds. With that comes growth and development in both urban and rural areas. Learn about our unique habitat types, why this is important to our wildlife in Florida, and what measures can be taken to reduce human impacts on wildlife.

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