This month’s issue is all about people helping people, so we wanted to take a look at a unique native species with some inspiring...

Last month we featured garden hacks from Master Gardener Volunteers, and we have so many to share that we are back again with more! With...

Gardening is a fun hobby for many people, but when it feels like there is a lot of work to do and the weather is hot, landscape...

As we dive into Lakes Appreciation Month, let’s take a look at one of Polk County’s most distinctive water bodies, Lake Hancock. Nestled...

Many homeowners in Central Florida turn to native wildflowers as an option for seasonal color in their landscapes. Summer-blooming...

Thanks to Florida’s mild winters, many species begin their seasonal rituals well before their northern counterparts. Courtship can start...

Kids today are busy—school, sports, and afterschool activities--and are spending less time outdoors than ever before. According to...

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH INATURALIST AND THE CITY NATURE CHALLENGE Earth Day is a reminder of our deep connection to the natural world....

Many homeowners have mature, established landscapes that require updates and changes. Mature landscapes present unique opportunities and...

Spring in central Florida is always a welcome sight, even though our region does not experience the harsh winters seen in other parts of...

Gardening is not just about growing plants; it’s also about growing ourselves. Keeping a garden journal can help you connect with nature...

While February often conjures images of lovebirds and heart-shaped candies, not every species in Polk County has such romantic...

As January settles in, life in Polk County’s cities, towns, and neighborhoods often slows to a comfortable rhythm. While much of the...

Florida faces many challenges in protecting our valuable and often fragile natural environment. These challenges include the loss of...

Growing leafy greens in central Florida during the winter offers a fantastic opportunity to cultivate fresh, nutrient packed vegetables....

Florida has become home to a new invasive species over the last decade: the black-and-white tegu (Salvator merianae), a large, omnivorous...

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...

As fall arrives in Florida, locals might notice a subtle change in the landscape. While northern states experience dramatic bursts of...

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...

When we think of Florida’s natural land- scapes, images of alligators and sprawling wetlands often come to mind. But hidden among the...

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...

Many people think of palm trees when they think of Florida. It is an iconic species and Florida’s state tree, specifically the cabbage...

July is National Lake Appreciation Month, a fitting designation for one of the busiest times of year for water sports and recreation here...

What is the best way to maintain a healthy lawn in central Florida? There is no secret to lawncare success. Simply following the best...