Though the goal is to conserve water in the home, we can be conscious of the water used in the production of our favorite foods and beverages, even if the local footprint doesn't have a direct impact on the water resources in our region. When ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, Natural Resources, WaterWater is essential to our daily lives. Yet, we often overlook just how much of it is used, not only in direct consumption like drinking and bathing but also in the production of the goods we use and the energy we consume. Whether it's the water ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, WaterUnderstanding Our Water Footprint: A Call to Action for Florida's Future Water is essential yet it’s something we often take for granted as we turn on the tap and expect clean, safe drinking water to flow freely. But did you know that only ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Last month, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County offered its first ever Dipnets and Donuts: Pond BioBlitz event. It was a great success, with several species spotted in our ponds at Twin Lakes Park. Participants worked in groups and used dipnets ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tilapia are a member of the cichlid family, native to Africa and the Middle East. These tropical fish were first introduced to Florida in the early 1960s and have since spread throughout the state's freshwater systems where they frequent nutrient ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
Florida's dry season can be a challenge for residential lawns and landscapes. The hot dry conditions can quickly deplete moisture from our sandy soils, leaving turf brown and landscape plants wilted. Because of these conditions, the dry season ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, Water
Low-Maintenance Forbs Forbs are herbaceous, flowering plants that you can use to bring a variety of colors and textures to your landscape. Keep reading to learn about some forbs that require minimal watering and care in Sarasota County. Note: ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Stormwater ponds are ubiquitous across Sarasota County and Southwest Florida. These features, when managed appropriately, can add great aesthetic value to a community. When improperly managed, however, these features can become a common source ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, WaterLow-Maintenance Shrubs Shrubs are a common addition to the landscape and are often used to outline the home and provide decoration near streets and sidewalks. While some are prized for their foliage, others are planted for their showy blooms. ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, WaterLow-Maintenance Succulents Succulents are plants with thick leaves that easily retain water, making them well-adapted to drought-like conditions. They can add interesting textures and forms to the typical landscape, and some residents even ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water