Impact Television Video Library
The show titles are linked to a brief synopsis of each program.
This is a list of IMPACT Television programs produced by IFAS Communication Services. All programs are closed-captioned and available in videocassette or transcript form.
"4H Involving Today's Youth "
Transcript or Library Index
More than a thousand people a day are moving to Florida. Population studies at the University of Florida predict if the current trend continues, the state's population will double by the year 2020 to more than 25-million people. But what does all this mean to Florida's delicate eco-system? Well, immense pressure on our natural resources on an unprecedented scale. That's when environmental education can make an impact.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
"A Drop to Drink"
Transcript or Library Index
When the weather heats up, it's only natural to look for a place to cool down. What better place to cool off than in a swimming pool....Or a water slide...Or even in a fountain. But what if there wasn't enough water to fill the pools? Then what? This program looks at UF/IFAS research and education programs to conserve our most precious resource...water.
ProducerS: Erin Easterling, Linda Kubitz, Al Williamson
"A Lifetime of Health"
Transcript or Library Index
From childhood through the golden years, this program shows viewers why it's never to late to develop healthy habits. Segments include information children's nutrition and immunizations, a program for pregnant teenagers, and successful aging.
Producer: Al Williamson
For more information on UF nutrition programs, visit the: UF's Family and Nutrition Program web site
"A Reel Fish Story" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Pollution and other stresses on Florida's marine environment threaten the state's seafood industry as never before. This program looks at ways to protect vital marine life and the seafood industry, including use of a new venting tool for "catch and release", deep sea fishing, recycling fishing lines, working with crab fisherman to prevent over exploitation of resources, and helping shrimp processors ensure product safety.
Producers: Linda Kubitz and Erin Easterling
For more information on marine research, contact: Florida Sea Grant
For more information on: Catch and Release
"A Story of Survival in the Wild" Transcript or Library Index
This program follows University of Florida wildlife researchers as they try to protect some of Florida's threatened species: the Everglades Snail Kite, the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel, and the Florida Manatee. Viewers will also see how UF scientists are working to protect wildlife from habitat loss and illegal poaching.
Producers: Erin Easterling, Bill Kelsey, and Linda Kubitz.
For more information on wildlife research and protection programs, visit the: UF Wildlife Extension web site
"ABC's of Enviro-Education" Transcript or Library Index
It's never too early to start teaching youngsters how to appreciate and protect the environment we all depend upon. UF/IFAS experts are using a "hands on" approach to help children learn about plants, animals and other natural components of a healthy environment. The program includes segments on gardening, animal care, preserving forest resources and recycling.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
"Building Blocks Of The Sea" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Like any natural resource, Florida's rich marine environment must be protected and monitored for changes. One of the best places to do this is at an artificial reef that attracts all types of marine life. This program shows viewers how artificial reefs are constructed, including design and installation of reef cubes and use of ultra-sonic tags to monitor fish movement around the reefs.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
For more information on artificial reefs, contact: Florida Sea Grant
"Bringing Back The Butterflies" or Library Index
This program looks at the efforts of UF/IFAS researchers to rescue the rare Schaus Swallowtail butterfly from near extinction. The loss of their habitat throughout S. Florida and the Florida Keys along with the devastating impact of Hurricane Andrew almost wiped out these fragile creatures, but UF researchers hope their work to increase the butterfly population will help them be removed from the endangered species list.
Producer: Erin Easterling
"Build It And They Will Come" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Building stronger communities requires a team effort to reach common goals. This program looks at a variety of state wide initiatives to help residents build and strengthen their communities, including a community planting project, an urban gardening program, and a fragrance garden for the blind.
Producer: Erin Easterling
"Cleaning Up the Dirt!" Transcript or Library Index
In research that is serving as a national model for cleaning up contaminated soil and protecting groundwater supplies, UF/IFAS scientists are testing new ways to remove fuel and other chemicals from the soil at military bases in Utah. Supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Defense, their work demonstrates faster and less expensive ways for soil remediation at "Super Fund sites" and other hazardous areas. The studies will help protect water resources and ecosystems worldwide.
Producer: Bill Kelsey
For more information on soil/water contamination and remediation, contact: UF's Soil and Water Science Dept.
"Conservation Begins With You" Transcript or Library Index
Energy is required in almost everything we do. However, many of the natural resources we need to make energy are dwindling. This program looks at how consumers and business can save money and help preserve these natural resources through reduced energy use.
Producers: Erin Easterling, Bill Kelsey, and Linda Kubitz.
For more information on conserving energy, visit the: UF Energy Extension web site
"Conserving Urban Wildlife" Transcript or Library Index
As Florida becomes increasingly urban, there's a greater need to protect wildlife threatened by development. UF/IFAS educators are promoting conservation activities in urban landscapes, including the creation of backyard wildlife habitats, schoolyard wildlife habitats and wildlife food plots. They also offer tips on how to handle nuisance creatures without harming them.
Producer: Erin Easterling
For more on wildlife conservation, see the: Wildlife Resources Handbook or visit the: Florida's Wildlife Extension Site
"Cotton Makes A Comeback" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Speaking of cotton and the people who grew it during the Civil War era, Margaret Mitchell may have said it best: "Tomorrow is another day," she wrote in her epic novel, Gone With the Wind. Her tomorrow is here today. While several uncertainties may affect this crop, research is eliminating problems and Florida growers are helping meet worldwide demands.
Producer: Bill Kelsey
" Eating for the Health of It" Transcript or Library Index
Good nutrition is important at any age. In this program, viewers will see ways to maintain healthy eating habits from birth through the golden years.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
For more information on food, nutrition and health, visit the: UF Family, Youth, and Community Sciences web site
"Enviro-Ranching" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
When it comes to ranching, most people think of cattle and horses. But there's a ranch in South Florida that's best known for its protection of the environment. This program shows how best management practices on the ranch protect water and other natural resources without compromising animal production.
Producer: Bill Kelsey
For more information on ranching research, contact: UF Range Sciences research program.
"Environmental Landscaping" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
When it comes to home ownership, the landscape is often neglected. Experts say homeowners using conservation practices, can improve the value of their property and protect the environment at the same time. This episode looks how Environmental Landscape Management techniques save water through micro-irrigation and the use of native trees and plants reduces the need for fertilizer and pesticides. There's also an introduction to the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program putting ELM into action, worm composting, and a Backyard Habitat program to encourage wildlife around urban homes.
Producers: Linda Kubitz and Erin Easterling
For more information, see: UF/IFAS's Environmental Horticulture Sciences Dept.
"Fiery Invaders " Transcript or Library Index
Native to Brazil, fire ants arrived in the U.S. early this century and spread throughout the South. They're known for their swarming tendencies, painful "hot" bites and unsightly mounds on lawns and fields. UF/IFAS researchers are working new control methods to protect people and wildlife from the pest, including parasitic fly that ultimately causes the decapitation of a stung fire ant. Chemical controls have not stopped fire ants from infesting more than 230 million acres in the Southeast.
Producer: Erin Easterling
For more information on fire ants and control methods, see the article: Imported Fire Ants on Lawns and Turf
"Fighting Florida Exotics" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Invasive exotic plants are threatening Florida's natural eco-systems and researchers say efforts to control them must be as varied as the plants themselves. This program looks at some of the exotic plants invading Florida - such as Brazilian pepper, Cogon Grass, and Melaleuca, - and what can be done to stop them.
Producers: Linda Kubitz and Erin Easterling
For more information on research on invasive exotics, visit:
The Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
"Fisheries Management: It's Catching On" Transcript or Library Index
As fishing and marine recreation become more popular, the public needs to be better informed about the importance of environmentally sound practices on Florida's waters. This program looks at UF/IFAS programs that help protect and improve water quality in lakes and bays as well as conserving marine resources such as Loggerhead sea turtles.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
For more information on fisheries management, visit the: Florida Sea Grant
"Garden Magic" Transcript or Library Index
Gardening continues to be one of the most popular American pastimes; annual sales of plants, fertilizers and supplies may top $25 billion by the turn of the century. Research is leading the way to new plants that are almost magical. This program looks at changing trends in gardening, from growing your own vegetables to new bedding plants and caladiums on the market.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
For more information on horticulture research, contact: UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Dept.
"Green Greens: Eco-Friendly Golfing" Transcript or Library Index
Those manicured "picture perfect" golf courses will still require a lot of care and maintenance, but new UF/IFAS programs are reducing the environmental impacts associated with intense management. Integrated pest management programs, including the use of natural predators or biocontrols, are reducing the need for pesticides while fertilizer use is being reduced to prevent chemical runoff into waterways. As a result, golf courses are now friendlier places for wildlife, too.
Producer: Erin Easterling
For more information on UF turf grass research visit the Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center or visit the the Florida Turfgrass Association
"Healthy People, Healthy Communities" Transcript or Library Index
Making the right food choices for better nutrition and health will be easier for Floridians thanks to new state wide education initiatives by UF/IFAS experts. Adults are urged to "take control" of their diets to reduce cancer risks, teenagers learn to make healthy and environmentally friendly choices at the grocery store and seniors are advised to avoid health product scams. There's also a report on a new research project investigating the link between Folate and coronary heart disease -- the number on killer of post-menopausal women.
Producer: Erin Easterling
For more information on UF's food, nutrition and health education programs in Florida, visit: UF's Family, Youth, and Community Sciences OR...
For more information on UF's human nutrition research, visit: UF's Food Science and Human Nutrition Department Web site
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"IFAS Extension: Lending a Hand" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Whether you're trying to improve the health of children or cleanup the environment, you know you have your work cut out for you when you take on such challenges. But that's exactly what the University of Florida's Cooperative Extension Service does every day. Extension programs can range from helping children eat a better diet to giving people tips on saving energy to cleaning up our marine environment.
Producer: Al Williamson
"If You Can Read This..." Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Not being able to read the daily newspaper or instructions for prescription medicine is a daily fact of life for some school children as well as those who have dropped out of school. This program looks at new state wide efforts to combat illiteracy among youngsters and adults.
Producer: Bill Kelsey.
"Improving Human Health" Transcript or Library Index
Vitamins and minerals are essential to human health, particularly during pregnancy or illness. This program focuses on important new research that can improve the nutritional status of HIV positive children, prevent birth defects, and help senior citizens remain healthy.
Producer: Erin Easterling
For more information on nutrition research, contact: UF/IFAS Food Science and Nutrition Dept.
"Integrated Pest Management" Library Index
This program looks at UF/IFAS research efforts to help farmers and homeowners have a more integrated approach to pest management, using less pesticides and more biological and cultural controls.
Producer: Bill Kelsey
"It's A Bug Eat Bug World" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
For decades, unwelcome insects and weeds were controlled by spraying chemical pesticides, often with harmful side effects on the environment. Now, researchers are learning how natural predators and other biological controls are providing effective pest control without heavy reliance on chemical pesticides.
Producer: Bill Kelsey
For more information, see: UF/IFAS's Entomology and Nematology Dept.
"Keeping Children Healthy" Transcript or Library Index
This program takes a look at UF/IFAS Extension programs working to improve the health of expectant mothers, their babies, and children as they develop into adults. Viewers will experience the World's Biggest Baby Shower, a program for women at risk of having low-birth weight babies, and 4-H baby sitter training, which prepares teenagers to care for children when their parents have obligations outside the home.
Producer: Erin Easterling
"Managing Fragile Ecosystems" Transcript or Library Index
To help Floridians understand the relationship between a healthy environment and the survival of wildlife, UF/IFAS educators are promoting the practice of environmental stewardship. This practice will help manage and preserve large ecosystems that are vital for the survival of individual plants and animals. Efforts to protect the habitats of the threatened Florida Black Bear and Scrub Jay are explored, along with controversial management techniques such as controlled burning.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
For more on ecosystems management, visit the: UF/IFAS Wildlife and Ecology Dept.
"Please Don't Bug Me Now!" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Florida's warm climate not only draws tourists to the state, but also makes the perfect environment for pesky insects like ants, roaches and termites. This program on urban pest management looks at what's crawling, flying and biting people in Florida - along with the latest research on ways to control these unwelcome visitors.
Producer: Erin Easterling
For more information about various insects, visit: UF's Entomology and Nematology Department Publications Guide
"Preserving Our Waterfront " Transcript or Library Index
Educating the public about the needs of wildlife isn't always easy. Sometimes, you have to get residents involved in hands-on projects such as river clean-ups or building bird houses to help. Viewers will be able to see how they can get involved in stewardship programs that can make a big difference when it comes to protecting Florida's waterways and the creatures living in those environments.
Segment Producers: Erin Easterling, Bill Kelsey, and Linda Kubitz.
"Protecting Birds of Prey" Transcript or Library Index
Sustainable agricultural practices for the next century include protecting habitats for birds and other wildlife. Species such as the Osprey, Red Shouldered Hawk and threatened Crested Cara cara are making a strong comeback on central Florida ranches because of UF/IFAS wildlife management programs for birds of prey.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
"Reach Out, We'll Be There" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Sociologists have long said it's only a matter of time before problems in the nation's largest cities affect even the smallest rural communities. That's why quality child care may be the best way to prevent future social problems. This program profiles a unique child care outreach program in rural North Florida that's making things better for area youngsters.
Producer: Bill Kelsey
For more information on UF's community programs visit: UF's Family, Youth, and Community Sciences web site.
"Silencing The Buzz" Transcript or Library Index
Mosquitoes are among Florida's most annoying pests and they carry diseases affecting people and animals around the world. This program looks at the history of mosquito control in Florida and how research is improving modern control practices.
Producers: Erin Easterling and Cathy Hendricks
For more information on mosquito research, contact: the Florida Medical Entomology Lab
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"Stowaways on the Rampage" Transcript or Library Index
They're not here yet, but zebra mussels will cause major problems if they find their way into the Sunshine State. UF/IFAS scientists are keeping a close watch on the tiny mollusks that have hitchhiked their way from the Great Lakes to New Orleans and could spread throughout the Southeast. They thrive in fresh water and multiply rapidly, making waterways less attractive for recreation. They also clog water treatment plants and cooling systems in power plants. Careless boaters can spread zebra mussels from contaminated to pristine waters.
Producer: Bill Kelsey
For more information on zebra mussels, see: The Zebra Mussel Task Force or visit the Zebra Mussel Page
"Sustainable Agriculture:" Transcript or Library Index
As farmers prepare to feed a world population that could double in 50 years, agriculture must be profitable as well as compatible with the goals of environmental protection over the long term. UF/IFAS scientists are developing new crops, farming methods and other resource management technologies to make sure that agriculture practices are sustainable into the next century--and beyond.
Producers: Erin Easterling and Bill Kelsey
For more information on sustainable agriculture research, contact: UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
"Tailor-Made Plants" Transcript or Library Index
Number one and growing! Matching the growth of home gardening -- Florida's number one pastime -- is the growing selection of new plants. UF/IFAS researchers are using the latest plant breeding methods to develop a dazzling array of new and improved flowering plants, landscape ornamentals and turf grasses tailor-made for the state's unique growing conditions. They also using tissue culture to propagate endangered aquatic plants that cannot be removed from protected natural habitats.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
For more information on horticulture in Florida, visit: UF's Horticulture Sciences
" Teaching With Technology" Transcript or Library Index
While technology seems to be changing everyday, its benefits are growing steadily along with it. This program looks at UF/IFAS faculty are using the latest tools of technology to help educate students, consumers, and professionals -- from selecting the right tree for your landscape with the help of a CD-ROM, to studying soils without getting dirty, to learning about solar power.
Producer: Erin Easterling
"The American Crocodile Comes Back" Transcript or Library Index
While Florida has plenty of alligators, the American crocodile is making a comeback from the brink of extinction in South Florida. UF/IFAS wildlife ecologists are helping protect the endangered reptile's habitat, and the crocodile's population has grown from 200 or 300 in 1975 to 400 or 500 in 1995. The animals will also be helped by restoration of Florida Bay to yield more fresh water than the bay now receives.
Producer: Bill Kelsey
"The Wonderful World of Insects" Transcript or Library Index
This program explores UF/IFAS researchers and extension specialists as they work in the fascinating world of insects. Viewers will see how these tiny creatures affect almost every part of our lives, from food production to their vital role in ecosystems.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
For more information about various insects, visit: UF's Entomology and Nematology Department Publications Guide
"This Land Is Your Land" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Wildlife and marine life depend upon a healthy environment, but Florida's rapid population growth is taking its toll. This program on environmental stewardship focuses on research by wildlife biologists and the efforts of volunteers to protect forests and other fragile ecosystems in Florida. It also shows residents how to be good stewards of the environment.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
For more on wildlife conservation, see: UF/IFAS's Wildlife and Ecology Dept.
"Tracks In The Sand" Multimedia or Transcript or Library Index
Sea turtles have been around for millions of years, but several species are now on the brink of extinction. University of Florida researchers are studying man's impact on these marine creatures to improve their survival rate. The program gives viewers a rare look at the endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, looks inside a turtle's egg to see what affects development of the hatchling, and examines the impact of dredging on loggerhead sea turtles.
Producer: Linda Kubitz
For more information on sea turtle research, see: Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research
For more information on other wildlife conservation research, see: UF/IFAS's Wildlife and Ecology Dept.
"Waste Reduction: A Never Ending Cycle" Transcript or Library Index
Reduce, reuse, and recycle... if everyone followed these guidelines, the answer to our garbage problem wouldn't always be a hole in the ground. This program examines ways University of Florida researchers are working to extend the life of landfills, through innovative recycling efforts.
Segment Producers: Erin Easterling, Bill Kelsey, and Linda Kubitz.
For more information on waste research, visit the: UF's Solid and Hazardous Waste Research web site
"Where Are the Bees?" Transcript or Library Index
U.S. honeybees produce some 200 million pounds of honey each year while Florida honeybees generate 20 million pounds. Bees also play a critical role in pollinating plants and crops of all kinds, but an exotic parasitic mite is causing alarming die-offs in unmanaged bee colonies. While UF/IFAS entomologists are helping producers control the mite in managed bee hives with a new pesticide contact strip, the scientists are still concerned about the fate of unmanaged bees.
Producer: Bill Kelsey
For more information on bees and beekeeping, see: UF's Beekeeping publications list
or visit the APIS Newsletter
