Fire is a natural part of Florida's landscape and ecological history, but that doesn't mean homeowners are powerless when it comes to reducing wildfire risk around their homes. Join UF/IFAS Polk County Extension for an informative class on ... READ MORE
Category: Disaster Preparation, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is a group of UF/IFAS agents in the Southwest Region that connects growers with resources focused on diversified, sustainable farming. We ... READ MORE
Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Events, Farm Management, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
There is nothing quite like the burst of joy that comes with a fresh delivery of woodchips for my garden. The pile steams a columnar breath in the air; a living, breathing mound of organic potential, and working through it feels grounding, meditative. At ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Forests, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension,
Participate in the City Nature Challenge BioBlitz The City Nature Challenge is a global celebration of biodiversity—and you can be part of it right here in Polk County. From April 24–26, 2026, community members across the region will join ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Recreation, Wildlife
If you scroll through social media this week, you might think Florida already has a brand new state bird. A lot of posts say the flamingo has officially taken the crown. But hold on. That is not true, yet! So, the northern mockingbird is still ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
By Bridget Stice, UF/IFAS Extension Polk Meatless Monday campaigns urge the public to skip meat one day a week to "improve health and protect the planet". While reducing excessive consumption of any food can be beneficial, blanket campaigns ... READ MORE
Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Farm Management, Health & Nutrition, Livestock, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, Turf, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, , Water, Wildlife
To support monarch butterflies, the University of Florida and other conservation groups recommend Florida native milkweed species as host and nectar plants. Currently, there are three native milkweed species that are most commonly found ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, , Wildlife
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network held our late summer/early fall meeting at ECHO Global Farm in Fort Myers, FL. The focus of the meeting was Community Food Systems, Agroecology, and information on ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching,
Naturally Florida podcast is in it's 5th season and is excited to announce a NEW series, all about hurricanes! Naturally Florida is a podcast designed to teach listeners about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here. Both ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
An important and growing landscaping trend is gardening for wildlife. This important conservation effort can help our native small wildlife populations with plants that attract and support a wide variety of our native species, especially birds, ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Wildlife