Category: NATURAL RESOURCES

A Nearly Perfect Tree

by Donna Corbelli Castro
February 25, 2026

Is there a perfect tree? I think this question has fueled much of historic plant exploration and discovery. Sometimes it is beauty that draws us, like the Jacaranda tree native to Brazil, with its beautiful lavender blooms each spring. ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, , Wildlife
Tags: Black Ironwood, Broward County, Ironwood, Krugiodendron Ferreum, Urban Trees, Water Matters Day

From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 2

by Giuseppe Di Giacinto
February 13, 2026

Restoring degraded urban landscapes is rarely linear. It requires observation, adaptation, and a willingness to rethink initial goals. After the first phase of plant relocation and site assessment, it became clear that the project needed a more ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, , Work & Life

From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 1

by Giuseppe Di Giacinto
January 24, 2026

Every transformation begins with a question. For me, it started with a thought: What if a forgotten piece of land could come back to life? From this question, a vision began to take root. There was a garden along the west side of the FLREC ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Colorful Fruits And Vegetables, Cultural Foods, Florida Gardening, Food Forest, Fragrant Trees, Home Landscape, Horticulture, Therapy, UF/IFAS Extension, Work&Life

Small but Mighty: MGVs Connecting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles with HOA Communities

by Lorna Bravo
December 17, 2025

Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Catalina Franco-Cicero Growing Community, One Master Gardener at a Time: The Isles Garden Club Story In the heart of Pembroke Pines, Florida, the Isles Garden Club's Florida-Friendly ... READ MORE

Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, NATURAL RESOURCES, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Broward County, Build Community, Master Gardener Program, Master Gardener Volunteer, Volunteers

Stories from The Yard: Stewardship and Florida-Friendly Beauty in an HOA Community

by Lorna Bravo
November 30, 2025

Growing a Garden with Purpose: Commitment to Stewardship As a UF/IFAS Urban Horticulture Agent, I work with passionate homeowners and Master Gardener Volunteers who are reshaping what Florida-Friendly landscaping in HOA communities can look ... READ MORE

Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Lawn, NATURAL RESOURCES, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Broward, Florida-Friendly Landscape, Invasive Species, Master Gardener Volunteer, Protect Waterfront, Right Place Right Plant

Stories from the Yard: Creating Florida-Friendly Outdoor Spaces You’ll Love

by Lorna Bravo
October 22, 2025

Growing a Garden with Purpose: Creating a Space to Enjoy and Relax Join us as we share real stories from local gardeners and homeowners who are transforming their yards into Florida-Friendly landscapes. Discover useful tips, successes, and ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, NATURAL RESOURCES, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: #IFASWater, #urban, Florida-Friendly Landscape, Invasive Species

Stories from the Yard: Our Path to Florida-Friendly Landscapes

by Lorna Bravo
September 1, 2025

Growing a Garden with Purpose: Teaching, Sustaining, Inspiring Join us as we share real stories from local gardeners and homeowners who are changing their yards into Florida-Friendly landscapes. Learn helpful tips, successes, and challenges ... READ MORE

Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, NATURAL RESOURCES, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water, Wildlife
Tags: Conserve Water, Florida Gardening, Florida-Friendly Landscape, Invasive Species, Master Gardener Program, Storytelling, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Urban Environments

Career Paths Around the Tree of Life

by Donna Corbelli Castro
August 6, 2025

Agriculture literally is the tree of life for everyone on the planet. Without agriculture, we could not support the population as it exists now. In fact, it was agriculture that enabled many countries to establish. Previously in history, ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, NATURAL RESOURCES, Professional Development, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, , Wildlife
Tags: Agriculture, Arboriculture, Careers, Certifications, Ecology, Green Industry, Horticulture

Discovering Broward County Natural Areas Series: Episode 1. The Linear Park at Plantation Preserve: Where History and Nature Meet

by Giuseppe Di Giacinto
July 16, 2025

Over the years, I’ve come across hidden spots, quiet and peaceful trails, that I never thought of finding on a simple walk at the park. Some places offer something rare: a quick, meaningful reconnection with nature. Although for me, the journey ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Broward County, Horticulture, Natural Areas, Parks, Trees

Growing More Than Gardens: The Transformative Journey of Master Gardener Volunteers

by Lorna Bravo
July 5, 2025

Introduction: Sowing the Seeds of Change Volunteerism holds a unique power—the ability to transform not only landscapes but lives. When people unite with a shared purpose, fueled by a passion for learning and a commitment to service, the ... READ MORE

Category: Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, NATURAL RESOURCES, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Broward County, Build Community, Community, Giving, Growing Food, Journey, Master Gardener Program, UF/IFAS, Volunteers

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