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Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how it plants, protects, and maintains trees over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal.
Orange County begins work on first Urban Forest Master Plan
Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how trees are planted, protected and maintained over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal. more
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An aerial view shows a coal-fired power plant with cooling towers and smokestacks. Photo: Kelly / Pexels
Environmental groups challenge federal order keeping Orlando coal plant open
Three environmental groups are asking a federal appeals court to overturn a U.S. Department of Energy order keeping an Orlando coal unit operating beyond its planned retirement. The groups argue the extension is unnecessary and could cost ratepayers an average of $21 more per month. more
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UF/IFAS Extension Orange County will offer a full schedule of educational programs in September covering health, housing, gardening and urban agriculture. Classes are available online and in person, with costs ranging from free to $50.
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County announces September classes and workshops
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County will offer a full schedule of educational programs in September covering health, housing, gardening and urban agriculture. Classes are available online and in person, with costs ranging from free to $50. more
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A new UF/IFAS app helps Floridians select plants suited to their landscapes while supporting pollinators, conserving water and protecting natural resources. The free FFL Plants & Pollinators App combines three previously separate Florida-Friendly Landscaping resources into one web and mobile platform.
New UF/IFAS app helps Floridians choose plants and support pollinators
A new UF/IFAS app helps Floridians select plants suited to their landscapes while supporting pollinators, conserving water and protecting natural resources. The free FFL Plants & Pollinators App combines three previously separate Florida-Friendly Landscaping resources into one web and mobile platform. more
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Strong Towns Apopka plans to plant native shrubs along the West Orange Trail as part of its fall community project. The effort reflects a broader movement encouraging property owners to replace portions of their lawns with native plants that support birds, pollinators, watersheds, and the food web.
Growing a healthier Apopka, one native plant at a time
Strong Towns Apopka plans to plant native shrubs along the West Orange Trail as part of its fall community project. The effort reflects a broader movement encouraging property owners to replace portions of their lawns with native plants that support birds, pollinators, watersheds, and the food web. more
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Students from Wekiva High School plant mangroves as part of a Blue School Grant project that enabled their math teacher to convert half of the classroom's aquaponic garden from freshwater to saltwater.
Blue School Grant offers $60,000 for hands-on water education
The St. Johns River Water Management District is offering up to $60,000 in Blue School Grant funding for hands-on water education during the 2026-2027 school year. K-12 public and charter school educators within the District may apply for awards of up to $3,000 through 11:59 pm September 15. more
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A Well system with tank
Free UF/IFAS webinars will help homeowners protect wells and septic systems
UF/IFAS Extension is offering a free webinar series to help Florida homeowners safeguard private wells and septic systems. The four-part program will provide research-based guidance on routine maintenance, water treatment, and preparing household systems for hurricanes and flooding. more
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Blue-green algae blooms, such as this one in the Caloosahatchee River, have become increasingly common in the past 20 years, fed by increased nutrients from biosolids dumped on farmers’ fields.
Commentary: DeSantis veto leaves Florida’s sewage sludge loophole wide open
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed legislation intended to regulate the disposal of Class AA biosolids, commonly known as treated sewage sludge. Environmental advocates warn the decision leaves Florida’s farms and waterways vulnerable to excess nutrients and other pollutants. more
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Orange County launches “OC Loves Trees” initiative
Orange County has launched its “OC Loves Trees” initiative, a long-term effort to plant hundreds of native trees and expand the region’s urban canopy. Officials say the program will improve air quality, reduce heat, and create more sustainable, livable neighborhoods. more
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Rock Springs.
Orange County Program helps residents protect springs and save on septic repairs
Orange County’s Septic Upgrade Incentive Program is helping homeowners replace failing septic systems while improving water quality in local springs. The program provides financial assistance and promotes environmentally friendly upgrades that reduce harmful nitrogen pollution. more
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How HVAC Systems Keep Florida Homes Comfortable Year-Round
From the white winters to warm summers, efficient climate control plays a critical role in not only enhancing indoor comfort but also in improving overall energy efficiency, thereby benefiting both homeowners and the environment. more
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The Growing Popularity of Roll-on Grass Across the Globe
As urbanization accelerates and the demand for green spaces intensifies, roll-on grass has emerged as a practical answer to creating beautiful, functional lawns in record time. more
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Inside Florida’s Transportation Engineering: Designing a Safer, Faster Sunshine State
From "listening" to the ground for sinkholes to re-engineering how we turn left, here is an inside look at how engineers are redesigning the Sunshine State. more
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How Ireland is Quickly Becoming One of the World's Leaders in Solar Energy
Ireland's solar success story offers valuable lessons for other nations, particularly those that have dismissed solar energy due to perceived climatic disadvantages. more
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A toxic algae bloom taints the St. Johns River thanks to its excessive pollution.
Ask the gaggle of gubernatorial candidates what they’ll do for Florida’s environment
Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a political hurricane, with seven candidates preparing to replace Ron DeSantis. With Florida’s environment in crisis and public trust eroding, voters must demand real answers before the winds of campaign season pick up. more
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Sarasota County intended the Celery Fields to manage stormwater runoff, but it’s turned into a popular bird sanctuary that draws 130,000 visitors a year.
Bird-defending Audubon chapter defeats Florida development planned by nation’s largest homebuilder
The Sarasota Audubon Society outlasted homebuilding giant D.R. Horton in a three-round battle to protect the Celery Fields bird sanctuary from development. The unanimous votes against rezoning mark a rare and inspiring environmental victory in Florida’s fast-growing landscape. more
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Florida-Friendly landscape professionals are good for the environment, your wallet
Autumn is the perfect time to evaluate your landscaping needs, and choosing a Florida-Friendly Landscaping professional can save money while protecting the environment. These certified experts follow sustainable practices that support plant health, wildlife, and water conservation across Florida landscapes. more
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Marco Schiavon, UFIFAS
Scorching temps from California turf raises questions about artificial turf, xeriscaping in humid states like Florida
Florida isn’t California - it’s wetter, more humid and prone to flooding - but as more Floridians consider replacing lawns with gravel-heavy xeriscapes or artificial turf to save water or reduce upkeep, this study offers a cautionary tale. more
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Orange County Utilities highlights Smart Irrigation Month with helpful reminders
July is Smart Irrigation Month, and Orange County Utilities encourages residents to take simple steps—like adjusting watering times, checking for leaks, and using rain sensors—to conserve water and protect this vital resource. more
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Summer rains bring stricter fertilizer rules
Many fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus, also known as nutrients. Pollution from nutrients harms our natural waterbodies – springs, lakes, and rivers – by causing algae blooms and poor water quality. more
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Apopka High School
Orange County Public Schools receives $3,500 grant from beverage industry to improve recycling in high schools
The funds will go towards the installation of “bottles only” recycling bins at several high school cafeterias across OCPS, scaling to all 22 high schools to reach 61,000 students. more
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Andre the Farmer: "Plant everything you can get your hands on"
"I want to talk to you and encourage you to get your first, second, or even 100th fruit tree. Our climates are ideal for growing subtropical and many tropical fruit trees." more
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Sugar Belle citrus cultivar. Mix of sweet Clementine and Minneola varieties. UF cultivars, oranges, citrus.
This spring, add iconic Florida citrus trees to your garden
Despite the challenges, people from Florida contact citrus nurseries this time of year, seeking to purchase trees for their yards and/or homes. It’s a passion, say nursery owners and UF/IFAS citrus breeders. more
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How to Choose the Perfect Wood-Burning Stove for Your Home
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you can find the perfect wood-burning stove for your home. Let’s dive in. more
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Orange County Utilities hosts community collection of household hazardous and electronic waste at Apopka High School
On Saturday, participants can properly dispose of hazardous and electronic waste at Apopka High School – free of charge. more
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