DO NOT FEED ANY WILD ANIMALS including geese, squirrels, racoons, deer, or birds. Feeding wild animals results in a host of problems as human food can lead to malnutrition and other health problems. Ducks, geese, and other birds receive no nutrition from bread.

Alligators
Alligators are a fact of life in Florida and in Marsh Landing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) agency suggests that one should assume any body of water – pond, lake, creeks, marsh, and brackish water is home to alligators.

 

Do not allow children or pets to swim, fish, or exercise near any of the ponds. According to the FWC, dog barking may draw an alligator to the area in search of prey. Please remind everyone in your household to stay away from the ponds and marsh areas.

If you see an alligator you think will be a threat to people, pets, or property, call the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-392-4286 (1-866-FWC-GATOR) or visit myfwc.com. State-contracted nuisance alligator trappers will remove alligators 4 feet in length or greater that are believed to pose a threat. FWC - Living with Alligators

 

Coyotes
Never feed coyotes. It is illegal and can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans. Protect your pets. Keep cats indoors and walk pets on a short leash. FWC - Living with Coyotes

 

Deer
Spotting a deer in Marsh Landing is a regular occurrence. Generally, there is no cause for alarm. However, according to FWC, like any wild animal, a deer may defend itself if threatened. Deer can become aggressive toward people and pets.

 

Geese
Please resist the urge to feed the geese. Geese feces typically contains E. coli and other pathogens. Too many geese in one place increases the chance of disease transmission to people and other wildlife.  Large concentration of geese can pollute your yard, the athletic fields, our parks and dog park.

 

Snakes
Only 6 of Florida’s 44 snake species are venomous. Most snakes you encounter are likely to be non-venomous. These snakes are harmless and beneficial to the environment by removing rodent populations. Even poisonous snakes are not dangerous unless stepped on or otherwise provoked. If you spot a snake, just stand back, and observe it. Snakes generally will avoid encounters and will flee. 

 

Enjoy the abundance of wildlife in Marsh Landing this spring. The wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk. The common theme is to remember that these animals and reptiles are wild and maintain their own ecosystem without human intervention.

 

While unattractive, algae are very important members of a healthy, well-balanced pond ecosystem, providing food for species at the lower end of the food-chain. To deal with algae effectively is not to eradicate it, but to prevent, or control, its excessive growth. While algae blooms occur in response to warm and sunny conditions as we have experienced in the last couple of weeks, the algae growth is supported by high levels of nutrients in the water (most often phosphorus and nitrogen) that may come from fertilizers, goose manure, or animal (dogs) waste entering the pond.

Algae makes a temporary appearance in the warmer months and may not need controlling. In large ponds, they can be difficult to tackle, and in wildlife ponds it's best to disturb the ecosystem as little as possible. Our pond vendor, Clear Water System, manages and treats our ponds accordingly.

It is important to understand that it is normal for most ponds to experience a "spring bloom" of algae. Pond owners should not be overly concerned, because, in most cases, the pond, and our regular seasonal management practices, will balance itself in four to six weeks.

 

 

 

At home and at work, in order to function effectively day-to-day amidst a rapidly changing world, we need to learn new things. Whether it be learning to use a new phone, a new app, or a new process at work, building skills is a constant in an ever-changing world.

 

Research shows that lifelong learning sometimes referred to adult learning, has numerous mental health benefits. Learning new things helps boost self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as improve memory and cognitive function.1 Engaging in new challenges and learning experiences also has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose.1 In addition, health research has pointed to lifelong learning as one of the best ways for seniors to stay healthy. An active mind throughout your life has been proven to help you live longer, healthier and show greater resilience in the face of external crises.

 

Whether you are looking to advance your career through professional development such as industry certifications, learn new skills for changing careers, prepare for graduate school through test prep instruction, start a new hobby, create a business or to simply have fun learning with friends, you can find it conveniently here in our community. The University of North Florida’s Division of Continuing Education is the premier provider of lifelong learning, workforce development and transformative enrichment experiences for northeast Florida. Every year, more than 6,000 residents take advantage of these offerings to enrich their professional, personal and social lives.   >>>read more