MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center
at Buck Island Ranch
In 1991, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS), along with the Archbold Biological Station (ABS) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) established a long-term, interdisciplinary program in agro-ecology to address the complex issues surrounding natural resource management in an agricultural environment. It is particularly important to understand how cattle and citrus production affect water quality and soil nutrients, and how these factors in turn affect invertebrate and wildlife populations. The goal of this program is to develop strategies to protect and enhance Florida's sensitive natural resources, while sustaining economically viable and compatible agricultural industries in the state.
This cooperative research/extension program was established at Buck Island Ranch, a 10,300 acre cattle ranch and citrus grove in south central Florida. This full-scale working enterprise was obtained from the John D. and Katherine T. MacArthur Foundation by Archbold Biological station in 1988 for the purpose of conducting long-term research on the relationships among cattle ranching, citrus production, and the native ecological systems of central Florida. The Station's role in this endeavor is to provide logistic support for research activities on the ranch and use funds generated by the ranching and citrus operations to purchase needed capital equipment. The role of the South Florida Water Management District is to provide program leadership through project funding, formulation of water management priorities, and incorporation of research results into regional policies and practices. The role of IFAS is to develop research and extension programs that focus on the interface between natural resources management and agricultural systems, and to develop additional funding in support of these programs.
The program at Buck Island Ranch provides a unique
opportunity to study these issues, using an integrated team approach, and
to develop the databases needed to make informed management and regulatory
decisions. Dissemination of research findings to agricultural producers,
natural resource managers, regulatory agencies, and the general public
also is an essential component of this initiative. Cooperative extension
faculty will facilitate the transfer of much needed information to these
clientele groups by developing appropriate in-service training workshops,
demonstration areas, and educational events.
2001
