Habitat Chat

In this episode we join Jessi Drummond, Education Manager at the Everglades Wonder Gardens. During the dialogue we learn about invasive species in Florida and strategies to correct the challenges associated with these species now that they are here. We also learn about resources to access if one has an invasive species that they can no longer keep as a pet.Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuest: Jessi Drummond, Education Manager, Everglades Wonder GardensWeb site: http://www.wondergardens.orgEmail: Jessi@wondergardens.orgPhone: 239-992-2591

In this episode we are joined by David Web, President and CEO of the Everglades Wonder Gardens. David shares the history of the Wonder Gardens and highlights current offerings at the Everglades Wonder Gardens. He also provides insight about what is to come; including a look at the new Environmental Learning Center and other future plans for the Everglades Wonder Gardens. Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuest: David Web, President & CEO, Everglades Wonder GardensWeb site: http://www.wondergardens.orgEmail: info@wondergardens.orgPhone: 239-992-2591

In this episode we sit with Katie Moses, Park Manager at Florida Lovers Key State Park. Katie shares where we can find the manatee in the park and in the region. She also shares what we need to know about the Florida manatee and the challenges they face.Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuest: Katie Moses, Park Manager, Florida Lovers Key State ParkWeb site: http://www.FloridaStateParks.org (and click on Lovers Key State Park)

Today we join Jacki Liszak, President and Executive Director of the Ft. Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.  Ms. Liszack walks us through the various resources available on Ft. Myers Beach and highlights things to do on the island.Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuest: Jacki Liszak, President & Executive Director, Ft. Myers Beach ChamWeb site: http://www.fortmyersbeach.org Email: info@fmbchamber.comPhone: 239-454-7900

Today we join Greg Wolf with the Environmental Learning Center at the Everglades Wonder Gardens for a discussion about the Vermicomposting. Greg walks us through the steps needed to plan for a vermicomposting site and how to make it work.Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuest: Greg Wolf, Everglades Wonder GardensWeb site: http://www.wondergardens.orgPhone: 239-992-2591

Today we join Greg Wolf with the Environmental Learning Center at the Everglades Wonder Gardens for a discussion about the Monarch Butterfly. Our conversation covered the migration of the Monarch and their presence in Florida and elsewhere in North America. The conversation also highlighted reproduction of the Monarchs and some of the challenges they face throughout their life-cycle.Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuest: Greg Wolf, Everglades Wonder GardensWeb site: http://www.wondergardens.orgEmail: info@wondergardens.orgPhone: 239-992-2591

Today we meet with Ms. Andrea McKinney, Public Outreach Specialist and Dr. Rebecca Heinig, Entomologist with the Collier Mosquito Control District. Our conversation covers details about the different types of mosquitos and diseases they carry and how treatment decisions are made and executed using the district's different resources. Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuests: Andrea McKinney & Rebecca Heinig, Ph.D.Web site: http://www.cmcd.orgEmail: info@cmcd.orgPhone: 239-436-1000

Today we join Deborah Voorhees, Executive Director, Friends of Lovers Key State Park (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization ) for a discussion about Lovers Key State Park. Topics include the various resources at the park including a 4.5 million Welcome and Discovery Center building project currently underway at the park. Learn more about the park and how to get involved as a volunteer by listening to this episode.Web: https://friendsofloverskey.orgPhone: 239.463.4588Email: contact@friendsofloverskey.orgGuest: Deborah Voorhees, Executive Director, Friends of Lovers Key State ParkHost: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.com

Today we join Captain Chris Wittman with Captains for Clean Water. Captain Wittman shares the history that led to the founding of the organization and the focus of their work to help save Florida's waterways.  Chris also shares what listeners can do to help to get involved with advocacy.Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuest: Captain Chris WittmanWeb site: http://www.captainsforcleanwater.orgEmail: info@captainsforcleanwater.org

Today we join Jacki Liszak, a Board Member with the Friends of the Arts in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.  Our conversation highlights the various events sponsored by Friends of the Arts. In addition, Jacki shares details about the sustainable dinner held on Ft. Myers Beach which often features locally caught Pink Shrimp. In addition, the event features local restaurants in Ft. Myers Beach. Finally, we discuss the Winter Concert Series held on the Island.Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuest: Jacki Liszak, Web site: http://www.fmbarts.orgEmail: friendsoffmbarts@gmail.comPhone: 239-454-7500

Today we join Dr. Nora Egan Demers, Associate Professor of Biology & Interdisciplinary Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Demers shares details about the Gopher Tortoise and its habitat. Our conversation also covers the top 5 challenges this keystone species faces in SW Florida.  In addition, Dr. Demers makes suggestions about how we can get involved in helping the Gopher Tortoise to survive. Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuest: Nora E. Demers, Ph.D., Associate Professor,  Florida Gulf Coast UniversityWeb site: http://www.fgcu.eduEmail: ndemers@fgcu.eduPhone: 239-590-7211Note: Gopher Tortoise Day: April 10th

In this episode we join Robin King and Andrea McKinney with the Collier Mosquito Control District.  Our podcast covered the services provided by the 36 employees of the Mosquito District using their trucks, drones, airplanes and helicopters to cover 401 square miles and over 300,000 residents in the county.Host: Kevin S. KonecnyEmail: kevin.konecny@higher-ed-consultants.comGuests: Robin King & Andrea McKinney Web site: http://www.cmcd.orgEmail: info@cmcd.orgPhone: 239-436-1000