UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center

Water Wednesday Recap: Where Your Water Comes From and How to Use It Wisely

by Yilin
April 3, 2026

In March, we hosted the second webinar in our 2026 Water Wednesday: A New Residents Guide to Florida’s Environment series. This session, Florida Water 101, focused on where Florida’s water comes from, how it is used, and what residents should ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Aquifer, Florida Water, Floridan Aquifer, Groundwater, Irrigation, New Residents, Reclaimed Water, Water Challenges, Water Conservation, Water Demand, Water Quality, Water Supply, Water Use Florida, Water Wednesday

Papaya banker plant system strengthens biological control of whiteflies

by Stella Canfield
March 24, 2026

A new study finds that papaya banker plants can strengthen control of the sweet potato whitefly, one of the most damaging pests in ornamental crop production. Published in the journal “Biological Control,” the research highlights a promising ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Banker Plants, Biological Control, Cindy McKenzie, Lance Osborne, Papaya, Pests, Poinsettias, Whiteflies, Whitefly

Water Wednesday Webinar Recap: What New Florida Residents Should Know About Climate and Seasons

by Yilin
March 16, 2026

Florida is known as the Sunshine State, but sunshine is only part of the story. Florida’s climate is shaped by water, heat, and seasonal weather patterns. Warm oceans surround the state, and underground aquifers store large amounts of water. ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Climate, Climate Patterns, Dry Season, Extension Water Education, Florida, Hurricane, New Residents, Seasons, Storms, Water, Water Wednesday, Weather, Wet Season

New to Florida? Join Water Wednesday for Practical Guidance on Florida’s Environment

by Yilin
January 22, 2026

Florida is home to unique weather patterns, water resources, landscapes, and ecosystems. For many new residents, adjusting to these conditions can raise practical questions about everyday life, from lawn care and home maintenance to storm preparedness ... READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Management, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Climate, Environment, Landscaping, Nature, New Residents, Water, Water Wednesday, Wildlife

New Year’s Resolutions for Private Well Owners

by Yilin
January 7, 2026

A new year is a natural time to reflect, reset, and commit to healthier habits. For Floridians who rely on private wells for drinking water, the new year is also a great opportunity to recommit to protecting household water quality. Unlike ... READ MORE

Category: Home Management, Water
Tags: Drinkign Water Safety, Florida Well Owner Network, Florida Well Owners, FWON, Groundwater, Private Wells, UF/IFAS Extension, Well Maintenance, Well Water Testing

New MREC faculty member will focus on greenhouse management and Extension

by Meredith Bauer-Mitchell
December 8, 2025

Horticultural scientist Uttara Samarakoon has joined the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) to focus on researching protected agriculture practices. As ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research

Recap: Hurricane Preparedness for Private Well & Septic System Owners Webinar

by Yilin
September 8, 2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Hurricane Preparedness and Your Water Systems webinar, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Well Owner Network. We had excellent participation and thoughtful questions throughout the session! (more…) READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation, Home Management, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Drinking Water, Flooding, Florida Well Owner Network, FWON, Hurricane Preparation, Hurricane Preparedness, Hurricanes, Private Wells, Septic Systems, Septics, Storms, Wells

Recap: Basics of Septic Systems Webinar

by Yilin
September 2, 2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Basics of Septic Systems webinar, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Well Owner Network. We had great engagement and thoughtful questions throughout the session! What We Covered This ... READ MORE

Category: Home Management, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Drainfield, Extension Programs, Florida Well Owner Network, FWON, Homeowner Tips, Private Wells, Septic System Maintenance, Septic Systems, Water Quality

Free Webinar Series for Private Well and Septic System Owners

by Yilin
July 16, 2025

Do you know what is in your drinking water? If you own a private well or have a septic system, maintaining these systems is your responsibility, and your first line of defense in protecting your family’s health, your property, and our shared ... READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation, Home Management, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Andrea Albertin, Drinking Water, Extension, FWON, Groundwater, Home Maintenance, Hurricane Preparedness, Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, MREC, North Florida Research And Education Center, Private Wells, Septic Systems, Webinar, Well Water, Wells, Yilin Zhuang

UF/IFAS Researcher Recognized for Patented Pothos Varieties

by Stella Canfield
June 11, 2025

Jianjun Chen, environmental horticulture professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, was recently recognized with a Plant Patent and Variety Protection Certificate at the Florida Agricultural Experiment ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Cultivars, Environmental Horticulture, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Research Awards Ceremony, Indoor Foliage, Indoor Plants, Jianjun Chen, National Horticulture Foundation, Pothos

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