Caterpillars from Southeast Asia are being introduced to Florida's ecosystem in an effort to control invasive plant life in the Everglades. WGCU's John Davis reports.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida looks to improve its facilities and increase its environmental advocacy efforts in 2008. WGCU’s John Davis reports.

The average American disposes of about 5 gallons of cooking oil a year. In Lee County that translates to nearly 3-million gallons of oil…all of which could be converted into biodiesel. And that’s exactly what the county’s solid waste division would like to do. WGCU’s Mike Kiniry has more.

Collier County beachgoers will soon have a way to know water conditions before making plans to hit the sand and surf. Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota is expanding its unique beach report program to Collier starting this month. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has more.

The future of Willow Lake on Pine Island in Lee County is taking another turn. The South Florida Water Management District is now going after the landowner for damaging a six acre section of protected wetland. That’s not what the agency said back in October though. So the property owner says the district needs to explain its change of heart. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has this report.

When the City of Sanibel passed an ordinance regulating fertilizer use earlier this year it was the first of its kind in Florida. But other cities and counties have since followed suit. It’s all part of an effort to minimize harmful environmental impacts caused by nutrient-rich storm water runoff. Sanibel began offering its official certification classes on Wednesday. WGCU’s Mike Kiniry reports.

There is a small body of water on Pine Island in Lee County known by those who wanted it preserved as Willow Lake. In the last couple of months it’s been at the center of controversy. This fall crews allegedly destroyed the lake while clearing land for a palm tree farm. The owner of the property admits they did cover up a restricted area though he claims there was no actual lake. While state and federal agencies investigate, he has offered up a restoration plan. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has this report.

The South Florida Water Management District is seeking public comment on a new plan to help restore the Lake Okeechobee watershed. WGCU’s Mike Kiniry has more.

Low water levels in Lake Okeechobee have allowed vegetation to flourish and birds are flocking to the site. The South Florida Water Management District is taking advantage of this to try and help improve the lake's health. WGCU's Andrea McCrary reports.

On Tuesday a majestic, thirty foot tall Gumbo Limbo tree completed its journey by barge and flat bed truck from a waterfront lot on Marco Island to the Naples Botanical Garden. The house on the lot is being replaced by a bigger one – and the tree was in the way. The Gumbo Limbo was planted by the home’s original owners – Claudia Curle and her late husband Fred. WGCU’s Valerie Alker caught up with their daughter, Chris Curle, who recalls its somewhat humble beginning.