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Spring Gardening Chores for Central Florida Yards
Spring in central Florida is always a welcome sight, even though our region does not experience the harsh winters seen in other parts of...
Anne Yasalonis
Feb 28


Garden Journaling: Good For Your Garden, Great For You
Gardening is not just about growing plants; it’s also about growing ourselves. Keeping a garden journal can help you connect with nature...
Anne Yasalonis
Jan 31


You're Vulture-ly Irresistible!
While February often conjures images of lovebirds and heart-shaped candies, not every species in Polk County has such romantic...
Shannon Carnevale
Jan 31

Arbor Day in Florida
As January settles in, life in Polk County’s cities, towns, and neighborhoods often slows to a comfortable rhythm. While much of the...
Shannon Carnevale
Dec 30, 2024


New Year Resolutions For Your Central Florida Yard
Florida faces many challenges in protecting our valuable and often fragile natural environment. These challenges include the loss of...
Anne Yasalonis
Dec 30, 2024

Growing and Cooking Leafy Greens in Central Florida
Growing leafy greens in central Florida during the winter offers a fantastic opportunity to cultivate fresh, nutrient packed vegetables....
Anne Yasalonis & Andrea Nikolai
Dec 1, 2024


Have You Seen Me? The Black and White Tegu
Florida has become home to a new invasive species over the last decade: the black-and-white tegu (Salvator merianae), a large, omnivorous...
Shannon Carnevale
Dec 1, 2024


Fall Flowers and Foliage in Central Florida
Fall in central Florida may not bring the dramatic color changes seen in other parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean it lacks...
Anne Yasalonis
Oct 28, 2024


Florida's Fall Colors
As fall arrives in Florida, locals might notice a subtle change in the landscape. While northern states experience dramatic bursts of...
Shannon Carnevale
Oct 28, 2024


Spooky Plantings and Haunting Fall Containers
Many people like a pop of color to draw attention to a focal point in their landscape and what better way to do than then with a colorful...
Anne Yasalonis
Sep 30, 2024


Florida's Carnivorous Plants are Hungry For More Than Sunshine
When we think of Florida’s natural land- scapes, images of alligators and sprawling wetlands often come to mind. But hidden among the...
Shannon Carnevale
Sep 30, 2024


Lost in the Glow: Light Pollution and its Impacts
When you think of pollution, you might think of garbage on the ground, smoke in the air, or oil in the ocean. These are types of...
Hanley Renney & Shannon Carnevale
Jul 31, 2024


Palm Care in Central Florida
Many people think of palm trees when they think of Florida. It is an iconic species and Florida’s state tree, specifically the cabbage...
Anne Yasalonis & Julie Schelb
Jul 31, 2024


What Otters Can Teach Us About Our Lakes
July is National Lake Appreciation Month, a fitting designation for one of the busiest times of year for water sports and recreation here...
Shannon Carnevale & Hanley Renney
Jul 1, 2024

Best Management Tips for Functional and Beautiful Central Florida Lawns
What is the best way to maintain a healthy lawn in central Florida? There is no secret to lawncare success. Simply following the best...
Anne Yasalonis
Jul 1, 2024


Tiny Dancers: Young Barred Owls Taking on the World
Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all? I’m sitting around a fire pit with my family on an early summer evening when our conversation...
Shannon Carnevale & Hanley Renney
May 28, 2024


Preparing Your Landscape for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season is upon us, and while you are probably aware of the preparations you need to make inside the home, what about those in...
Anne Yasalonis
May 28, 2024


Mosquitoes: The Buzz on Florida’s Most Notorious Insects
Mosquitoes are a familiar nuisance in Florida, heralding the warmer months with their unwelcome presence. Beyond their itchy bites, these...
Shannon Carnevale
Apr 29, 2024


Incorporating Edible Plants into your Ornamental Landscape
Did you know that you can plant your vegetables and herbs alongside your ornamental perennials, shrubs, and trees? Most people think...
Anne Yasalonis
Apr 29, 2024


Cypress Trees: A Conduit of Culture and History
Woven into the fabric of Polk County’s heritage, cypress trees have a storied history and cultural significance. Native American cultures...
Shannon Carnevale
Apr 1, 2024


Florida’s Fiery Season:The Importance of Prescribed Burns
Fire, often perceived with apprehension, plays a pivotal role in maintaining Florida’s diverse ecosystems. Today, I’ll be chatting about...
Shannon Carnevale
Mar 1, 2024


Navigating El Niño: What It Means for Polk County’s Dry Season
As winter unfolds, a special guest, El Niño, is set to influence our weather patterns significantly. Known for altering weather on a...
Shannon Carnevale
Feb 1, 2024


Gentle Giants of the Sky: American White Pelicans
As our holiday seasons come to a close, Polk County residents and visitors are treated to a spectacular natural event: the arrival of...
Shannon Carnevale
Jan 2, 2024


Building a Bird-Friendly Polk County: Tips for Cavity-Nester Conservation
December is the perfect time to learn about the fascinating world of our cavity-nesting birds in Central Florida. These birds, including...
Shannon Carnevale
Nov 28, 2023

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