We continue to collect, catalog and make available published literature on the
subjects of aquatic, wetland and invasive plant biology, ecology, management, conservation,
utilization and much, much more. During the past year, almost 2,000 new items were cataloged
and entered into the database, which now contains almost 47,000 items. As many of you already
know, APIRS went online three years ago and is heavily accessed by users
around the world via the World Wide Web. To use the APIRS database
online, go to http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/ and follow the instructions. Some
people still prefer to have literature searches performed for them. During the past year,
approximately 300 custom bibliographies were prepared for over 200 patrons. Bibliographies
can be prepared and sent to users via electronic mail or the postal service, usually the same day
of the request. To request a personalized literature search and bibliography, contact Karen
Brown at kpb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu Although a lack of funding is an ever-present
problem, for now database services continue to be available free of charge.
Other products of the APIRS information office continue to be popular among
researchers, students, agency managers and personnel, schoolteachers, environmental groups and
the general public. They are available from the IFAS Publications Office, University of
Florida, P.O. Box 110011, Gainesville, FL 32611-0011, (352) 392-1764, Toll-free (800)
226-1764.
The Aquatic Plant ID Deck is a 3" x 4" card deck containing color
photographs of 67 aquatic and wetland plant species with identification information on the back.
The cards are laminated for water resistance and bound with a screw and fastener, making them
suitable for in-the-field reference. Decks are $10 plus shipping.
Aquatic Plants in Pen-and-Ink is a collection of 115 original line drawings
which may be used without copyright permission once purchased. The package costs $35 plus
shipping. A 1997 Supplement of 25 additional drawings is available for $10
plus shipping.
The Freshwater Plants Poster depicts 63 aquatic plants in a natural
setting and shows both common and scientific names. The 2' x 3' poster costs $7 plus shipping,
although it is available for free to Florida schoolteachers by request.
Over 15 educational videotapes are available on topics ranging from
aquatic and wetland plant identification to training for aquatic pest control applicators to careers
in Florida’s freshwater environments. Programs may be borrowed, or purchased for $15 each,
plus shipping.
All of these items, plus a lot more, are described in detail on the Center for Aquatic and Invasive
Plants’ World Wide Web site. Examples of information to be found at the site include
information on invasive, nonindigenous plants in Florida, photographs of aquatic plants; two
online books; a photo gallery; AQUAPHYTE Online; an aquatic and wetland
plant glossary; information on biological control insects; a comprehensive list of aquatic and
wetland plant manuals, field guides and textbooks; a resource guide for water gardeners and
aquarium enthusiasts; links to other relevant web sites; and much more. Visit us online at
http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/ or contact us at the address on the back page of this
newsletter.
On the horizon are a few new products including a field identification deck on aquatic
grasses and a CD-ROM of aquatic and wetland plant photographs. Don’t call us yet...we
promise to keep you posted!