Environment Blog Posts

What’s that itch? Chiggers, also known as redbugs, are tiny mites that can cause significant discomfort during the warmer months in Mississippi. Here's how to lessen your chances of coming into contact with these critters and some tips if you do.

If you grow your own vegetables, you will likely see at least a few pesky insects that want to feed on your plants. Slugs are one of the pests you may be noticing now.

Tomatoes are a popular crop, both for commercial growers and home gardeners. Even the best tomato growers run into problems along the way! We put together a simple, easy-to-follow guide to help you spot a few of the most common tomato troubles gardeners see. 

Little green climbing machine —the Carolina anole, known as Anolis carolinensis, is often called the American chameleon for its ability to change color.

Have you ever been on a walk in the woods, park, or backyard and noticed animal tracks in the mud or dirt? Some tracks are easy to identify, while others are a bit harder to tell which animal they belong to. It’s a fun guessing game trying to figure out which animal has been visiting nearby.

When examining animal tracks, ask yourself a few questions:

• How many toes does the animal have?
• Are there claw marks?
• Is the front or rear foot larger?
• What are the general shapes of the tracks?
• How long and wide are the tracks?
...

When it comes to taking care of your lawn and garden, there is plenty of advice passed down through generations. While it may seem like sound information, it may not be true. 

The yellow-spotted salamander is a slippery, shiny Mississippi amphibian. Also known as Ambystoma maculatum, this is a large amphibian, measuring between six to nine inches!

Greens are about as Southern of a food as you’ll find. Growing up, my grandparents almost always had a bowl of greens at the lunch table. 

Litter is a common problem around the state, and all of that trash eventually makes its way to our oceans. But there are ways to help keep your community clean.

Have you ever been on a walk in the woods, park, or backyard and noticed animal tracks in the mud or dirt? Some tracks are easy to identify, while others are a bit harder to tell which animal they belong to. 

The Louisiana Red Crayfish goes by many names. Whether you call it a red swamp crawfish, Louisiana crawfish, Louisiana mudbug, or a crawdad, Procambarus clarkia is a striking invertebrate!  

Did you know that wildfire is a common occurrence in Mississippi? If you live in the rural-urban interface – areas where human development moves into rural areas – your risk of being affected by wildfire increases.

Did you know lettuce was one of the first vegetables brought to America by Christopher Columbus? What a great fun fact!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about love… lovebugs, that is!

If you have rose bushes in your landscape, now is the time for pruning! Heavy pruning needs to be done mid-February to mid-March while the plants are still dormant.

Are you already thinking about what you will plant this spring and summer? If you are, don’t forget to test your soil. It’s the best way to know if your garden or lawn needs critical nutrients and how much.

The Eastern redcedar, scientifically known as Juniperus virginiana, is a versatile and resilient evergreen tree native to North America. 

It’s the holiday season, and many of us like to celebrate this time of year by decorating our homes and gathering with friends and family to enjoy fellowship, food, and gift giving. But it is also a time of increased household waste. These tips can help you have a more sustainable holiday.

Colder weather is just around the corner! Do you have a plan to winterize your home for when freezing temperatures arrive? Preparing your home for the cold not only ensures comfort, but also helps protect your home from damage. 

The ginkgo tree, scientifically known as Ginkgo biloba, is an incredible species that stands out because of its unique characteristics and beauty.