Bring out the pumpkin spice and apple cider – autumn is here! However, nothing screams autumn more than fall-colored leaves. Despite Florida’s warm climate, there are some trees here that turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation
Can we help the birds and wildlife at the lakefront parks by bringing them a loaf of bread when we visit? While intentions are good, we should eat the bread ourselves instead. It can actually lead to malnutrition in wild birds, since it does ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Recreation, Wildlife
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us and our families at home. However, getting outdoors for fresh air and recreation is more important than ever. Being in nature can relieve stress and improve our emotional and mental wellbeing. Some area ... READ MORE
Category: Recreation
Happy New Year! Have you set goals or resolutions for 2020? Whether your resolution is to focus on your health, spend more time with family and friends, or try a new hobby, there are many ways to incorporate nature to help achieve your goals. Health Many ... READ MORE
Category: Health & Nutrition, Natural Resources, Recreation
(Graphic: Illustrates average annual temperatures in Florida 1895-2018.) Heat-related illnesses are rising in Florida due to increasing temperatures in recent years. High humidity increases the potential for heat-related illness because sweat ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Recreation, , Work & Life
You’re at a local park. The sun is shining and there’s a gentle breeze. You hear the leaves of nearby trees rustle and the slight movement of water from a lake. You take a deep breath of fresh air and immediately feel better. You feel stress ... READ MORE
Category: Health & Nutrition, Natural Resources, Recreation
You may have seen the recent reports about the National Parks. With the partial government shutdown, many National Park Service employees are on furlough and unable to maintain the parks. Images of overflowing trash and damaged campsites serve ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of community, and I’m not talking about your idyllically-named, gated subdivision. I mean “community” in the sense of how people communicate and connect with each other and the places they live, ... READ MORE
Category: Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Recreation, , Work & LifeThe environment brings us many benefits that help us live and increase our quality of life. It provides us food, shelter, water and air purification, recreation and even aesthetics. All these benefits are known as ecosystem services. Types ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife