As a horticulture educator, I spend a lot of time talking about plants—how to grow them, how to care for them, and how those simple acts can be nourishing for us as humans. Gardening gets us outside, puts our hands in the soil, and reminds ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Horticulture, Recreation, UF/IFAS, Work & Life
Meet Eli Bodor, an aspiring conservationist and entomologist. Originally from Tampa, Eli has lived in Sarasota since the age of seven. In April 2024, Eli registered for a Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) class. Read on to learn how ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Have you ever wanted to experience one of our Sarasota County parks after dark? Consider attending one of our upcoming Nature at Night programs, part of the ex•plore series. What can you expect to see and do at Nature at Night? Keep reading ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Events, Forests, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Hurricanes have left lasting scars on our landscapes in recent years, and Arbor Month 2025 offers us an opportunity to heal and rebuild by replanting the trees that are so essential to our communities. We are grateful to the Florida Forest Service ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Work & Life
The Florida Master Naturalist Program Advisory Board (FAB for short) is a fabulous group of individuals dedicated to the present and future success of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP). The FAB consists of individuals from across ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Professional Development, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
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
The Great Florida Pollinator Census This year will be the second year Florida will be participating in the Great Florida Pollinator Census under the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSEPC). Created by the University of Georgia Extension Services ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Have you ever wondered what makes a turtle different from a tortoise? These fascinating creatures are often confused due to their similar appearances. Read on to learn how to distinguish between the two, and to understand how you can help protect ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
It's officially spring, and almost like clockwork, several seasonal caterpillars have begun to emerge from our trees...and may have found their way onto our walls, benches, and well, just about everywhere. While their presence may be a nuisance ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
If you've ever spent a summer in Florida, you're likely familiar with the loud, eerie buzz of the cicada. That buzz is actually the males' mating call, and by their standards, the louder it is, the better. This sound is produced by their tymbals, ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife