Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 16h

🎉 Milestone Spotlight: Bill Brenner
After 17 years of monitoring Parks Lake, Bill received his 15-Year Paddle! His dedication to water quality and steady presence on the lake have made a lasting impact. Thank you, Bill, for your service and commitment to Florida LAKEWATCH!

3

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 1d

🧜♂️ Damselfly – The Gilled Ghoul
With tails that breathe and glide, the damselfly larva drifts like a specter through the water. Its gills wave like ghostly banners, whispering secrets of the stream.

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 2d

🌟 Spotted Sunfish Fun Fact 🌟

These small, colorful fish thrive in slow, plant-filled waters. 🌿✨
Want to explore Florida’s lake fish? 🐠📚 Check out the Handbook of Common Freshwater Fish in Florida Lakes—based on data from 60 lakes! 📊

🔗 ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00000131/0...
📸 Zach Randall, FLMNH

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 3d

🪰 Mayfly – The Phantom of the Pond
Deep beneath the surface, a ghost waits patiently. It lives in silence for a year… only to vanish in two fleeting days. This is no ordinary insect, it’s the mayfly, nature’s most ephemeral spirit.

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 4d

🧪 Skeleton Crew Spotlight: Dr. Celine Lajoie

Our Mercury Mystic dives deep into the spectral science of mercury in Florida’s waters. Like a ghost whisperer for aquatic ecosystems, her research reveals hidden forces beneath the surface.

🧠 Postdoc Fellow 📧 [email protected]

1 1

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 7d

🕷️💧 Creepy Crawlers of the Deep: Freshwater Frights Are Coming! 💧🕷️
This October, dive into Florida’s weirdest freshwater invertebrates, from acid-dripping egg masses to jet-propelled larvae. They’re creepy. They’re crawly. And they’re coming. 🪰
Stay tuned, our fright-filled series starts next week!

1

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 9d

🪶 Feeding Fact: Belted Kingfishers hover over water before plunging headfirst to catch fish with pinpoint accuracy. Splashy and precise! 🐟💦

📘 Learn more about Florida’s aquatic birds: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/...

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 10d

🎓 LAKEWATCH & UF students bring science to life on Lake Alice 🚤 For 35+ years, this hands-on program has taught fisheries skills while advancing lake research. Started by Dr. Canfield, led by Dr. Lescord, it inspires future freshwater scientists. 📚 Read more new.express.adobe.com/webpage/QJdX...

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 11d

🛟 LAKEWATCH Volunteers: Respect the Water, Respect the Rules 🌊

While sampling, stay safe:
⚠️ Follow no-wake zones
⚠️ Avoid distractions
⚠️ Operate at safe speeds
Let’s keep Florida’s lakes safe for all!

🔗 myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/safety-tips"

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 14d

🌟 Steve Asman – 15 Years!

Steve has been sampling Lake Louisa for 15 years! He received a 15-Year LAKEWATCH Paddle to honor his ongoing commitment and contributions. Thank you, Steve, for your dedication to Florida LAKEWATCH! 🛶💧

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 16d

🌟 Sailfin Molly Fun Fact 🌟

These fish sport large, sail-like dorsal fins and thrive in both freshwater and brackish waters! 🌊✨

🐠 Learn more in the Handbook of Common Freshwater Fish in Florida Lakes: ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00000131/0...

📸: Zach Randall, FLMNH

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 18d

📲 Stay Connected with LAKEWATCH! 🌊

Want to keep up with the latest on Florida’s lakes, wildlife, and water science? Follow us on your favorite social platform! 💙

🔗 Tap our Linktree to explore all our channels: linktr.ee/ufifaslakewa...

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 21d

🏄 Bonnie & Frank Vierling – 15 Years!

Bonnie and Frank have been monitoring Lake Harris for 15 years! They were awarded a 15-Year LAKEWATCH Paddle in recognition of their dedication and consistent efforts. Thank you both for being part of the LAKEWATCH family! 🎣💙

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 23d

🪶 Feeding Fact: Bald Eagles are opportunistic feeders—they hunt fish, scavenge carrion, and even steal prey from other birds like Ospreys. 🦅💥

📘 Learn more about Florida’s aquatic birds: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/...

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 25d

🚤 LAKEWATCH Volunteers: Boat Smart, Boat Safe! 🦺
Before heading out, check your gear:
✅ Life jackets
✅ Fire extinguisher
✅ Sound device
✅ Navigation lights
✅ First-aid kit
Your safety matters as much as your data!
🔗 myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/safety-tips

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 28d

👏 Joe & Margaret Branham – 30 Years!

Joe and Margaret have volunteered on Bugg Springs for 30 years! They received a 30-Year Plaque, with a matching one placed in the UF Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Building.

Thank you both for your long-term commitment and service! 🏆💧

1

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · 29d

💧 Used alum in your lake or pond? We want to hear from you! Your experience helps us understand alum use across Florida. 🌊
📧 Contact Dr. Lescord: [email protected] | (352) 846-6313
📞 Or call your coordinator: 1-800-LAKEWAT

1 1

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · Sep 10

🐟 Redfin Pickerel are small, predatory fish with red/orange fins, found in slow, vegetated waters. 🌿 Curious about Florida lake fish? 🐠📚 Explore the Handbook of Common Freshwater Fish in Florida Lakes: ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00000131/0...

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · Sep 8

🌊 Trophic States: Why They Matter

Track changes in your lake’s productivity, describe its condition in one word, and set expectations for recreation.
- Oligotrophic = low nutrients, clear water
- Eutrophic = high nutrients, abundant life

📘 edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/...

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · Sep 5

🎉 Claudia Marshall – 30 Years!

Claudia has contributed 30 years of data from Lake Lorraine! She received a 30-Year Plaque, with a matching one now displayed in the UF Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Building. Thank you, Claudia, for your incredible dedication! 💙🌊

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · Sep 3

Feeding Fact: The Anhinga spears fish with its sharp bill while swimming underwater, then flips them into the air to swallow headfirst. No bait needed! 🐟🎯
📘 Learn more about Florida’s aquatic birds: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/...

1

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · Sep 1

🌊 Water Clarity
Measured with an 8" Secchi disk, water clarity shows how transparent a lake is. It’s affected by algae, tannins, and suspended solids. Clearer water often reflects lower nutrients.
📘 Learn more: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/...

1

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · Aug 29

🟣💚 Meet the purple gallinule—Florida’s flashiest wetland bird! With bright feathers & giant yellow feet, it’s a must-see on your next LAKEWATCH trip. 🐦🌿

📖 Learn more:
new.express.adobe.com/webpage/QJdX...

2

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · Aug 27

🌟 Redear Sunfish, aka “shellcrackers,” love snacking on snails! 🐟
🔍 Look for their red/orange gill edges in Florida lakes.
📘 Explore more fish facts in this freshwater guide:
ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00000131/0...

1 3

UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH @ufifaslakewatch.bsky.social · Aug 26

🌊 Watery Word: Limnology! 🌊