Communities derive many benefits from their urban forests, including improved air quality, increased stormwater filtration, reduced heat island effects, and positive physical and mental health impacts. A 2013 tree canopy study in Sarasota County indicated just 35% vegetation… Read More
By MINDY HANAK Gardens Program Coordinator, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Have you ever wanted to look over the fence into one of our community gardens? If you’ve marveled at the tasty veggie treats, or the dedication of the… Read More
Summer is the season… for checking landscape plants for insects before they devour your plants with their ravenous appetite. Conservative estimates state there are over 12,000 species of insects in Florida, so it’s no wonder your hibiscus might… Read More
On Oct. 19, we’re celebrating 10 years of our rain barrel program, which can help you conserve water, save money by reducing the use of potable water in landscapes (lower utility bills), and protect the environment by storing… Read More
Under the “Growing Greener Generations” theme, the 14th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop is set for Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshop will draw together residents of all ages, business owners and employees, non-profit leaders, and government officials… Read More
“It’s a buggy world” is a sentiment that definitely rings true here in the sunshine state. With a conservative estimate of over 12,000 species of insects in Florida, there seems to be six-legged critters everywhere you look. Have… Read More
Songbirds bring joy and beauty to our lives, favoring us with their amazing melodies and enchanting nature. Our free class Aug. 21 will show you how to attract throngs of songbirds to your yard, simply. We’ll show you… Read More
By Curt Preisser and Erika Bingham Special for UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Sarasota County resident Erika Brigham began promoting renewable energy in the early 1970’s. She trained to become an architect at the Boston Architectural Center, a training… Read More
Summer is in full swing with the heat, humidity, and summer rains. Although we are happy to welcome the rain, the mosquitoes that accompany the rainy season are usually unwelcomed visitors. Container mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus,… Read More
So many flowers…so little time. Summer’s flowering tree displays range from the warm orange-red hues of the Royal Poinciana (count yourself VERY fortunate if you own a yellow poinciana – they are quite uncommon), and the scarlet tones of… Read More
