Nature and Animals

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1 TO 3 P.M. The James E. Hendry (JEH) Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society announces its 73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale on Saturday, April 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. This free hibiscus show is the oldest, largest and best attended of […]

Nearly a thousand miles east of the coast of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, sits an archipelago of islands collectively known as the Mascarene Islands. Their isolated nature and lack of humans until about 1507, allowed these volcanic islands to enjoy a vast biodiversity of flora and fauna. Since either the arrival of the Arabs […]

MARCH ON THE WATER With record cold weather over the past couple months behind us we can look forward to warmer days. With luck, March will kick the pattern as we exit winter and move into spring. Spring fishing is looked upon as some of the best of the year with a wide variety of […]

FEBRUARY ON THE WATER The transition from winter season often changes early in Southwest Florida. Spring will not officially arrive until mid-March, however on the water we are generally appreciating the change of seasons by early to mid-February. Lack of rain through the winter months plus cool water temperatures give us the clearest water of […]

JANUARY ON THE WATER January is our coolest month with water temperature the lowest of the year around Southwest Florida. Just how cold often determines how and where to fish. Over cold and windy days fish head for protected areas like canals, creeks, and deep water on the leeward side of islands. Fishing these areas […]

Despite its delicate appearance, the Powder Puff shrub, genus Calliandra, is a rugged perennial that deserves a place in most South Florida gardens for a variety of reasons. Available in several colors and with the option of some compact species, these evergreens can enhance a landscape with delicate foliage and dainty blooms that last for […]

NOVEMBER ON THE WATER This month we have days with pleasant weather and often combine summer and winter fishing conditions from week to week. As cool fronts drop down the state our coastal waters are cooling down. With the change, fish are transitioning from summer to winter patterns. November brings a mix of warm and […]

SEPTEMBER ON THE WATER With the arrival of September, the end of summer is in sight as we gradually break away from long, hot, muggy days, and slowly transition to shorter, cooler days of autumn. This is welcoming news for anglers fishing around Southwest Florida. Days become less humid with a slight drop in temperature, […]

Visitors that stroll around the east side of the Estates will find the fall bloomer, goldenrod (Solidago). This simple, omnipresent “weed” became Thomas Edison’s obsession later in life, literally, until the day he died. In the northern hemisphere, the arrival of autumn showcases 120 species of goldenrod, responsible for turning fields and hillsides into brilliantly […]

Back in the 1900s, the Edisons grew many fruits and vegetables to capitalize on the mild winter weather in Fort Myers and compensate for limited options to purchase fresh produce. The excess harvests were sold or shipped north to friends and family. Though the local Heitmans opened a grocery store downtown in 1898, it was […]