August is the heart of Florida’s rainy season. On a typical summer afternoon, towering puffy clouds build on the horizon before producing the thunder, lightning, and rain that many of us associate with summer. For lifelong Floridians, these daily storms are familiar and almost comforting. For newcomers and visitors, they can be surprising. Either way, lightning is one of nature’s most fascinating (and dangerous) phenomena. WHY DOES FLORIDA GET SO MUCH LIGHTNING? Florida is of

As winter unfolds, a special guest, El Niño, is set to influence our weather patterns significantly. Known for altering weather on a global scale, El Niño’s effects have been felt right here in Polk County throughout January. At the time that I’m writing this, we are expecting a strong El Niño to continue for the next several months… at least. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones WHAT IS EL NIÑO? El Niño and its opposite climatic effect, La Niña, tend to cycle on and off every 6-8 ye

Through its Hurricane Preparedness for Hotels and Motels Program, the Florida Energy Extension Service hleps the tourist industry keep guests safe during lighting storms. UF/IFAS Photographer In the bustling heart of Florida, Polk County stands out for its abundant agricultural lands, plentiful wildlife, and alluring landscapes. An integral part of this charm is the space we have for a community tree canopy and urban forests, and the sum of all the trees beautifying our home

As an Extension Agent, a significant part of my daily work involves talking about our environment with folks from all walks of life. A topic that has recently been on everyone’s lips in the realm of urban forestry and community health is the urban heat island effect. It’s an issue that has far-reaching implications for our cities and the people who live in them. Now that summer feels like it is officially here, and hurricane season is upon us, I feel like everyone’s conversa

May is American Wetlands Month, and with one-fifth of the nation’s wetlands, Florida is the perfect place to appreciate the beauty and importance of these ecosystems. Home to various types of wetlands, these areas provide crucial habitats for threatened and endangered species, help maintain water quality, and protect our communities from flooding while contributing to the state’s rich biodiversity. Tiger Creek Preserve Wetlands are unique and complex transitional areas betwee