UF IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center

08/24/2026

Another incredible FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association) Landscape Show is in the books 🌱

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat, catch up and learn more about our research, education programs, and upcoming events!

07/21/2026

Do you rely on a private well or septic system?

Join the UF/IFAS Florida Well Owner Network for a free four-part webinar series covering private wells, septic systems, hurricane preparedness, and home water treatment systems.

Topics include:

Private Well 101
Septic System 101
Protecting Water Systems Before and After Storms
Home Water Treatment Systems

The series will be offered in both English and Spanish for the first time.

Registration is free, but spots are limited and advance registration is required.

Register online: bit.ly/4wd6TRx

07/14/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Lance Osborne, professor in the UF Entomology & Nematology Department, on being inducted into the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Hall of Fame by the Southern IPM Center!

This honor recognizes more than 45 years of advancing integrated pest management for the horticulture industry in Florida and across the southern United States. Dr. Osborne’s research has helped growers reduce pesticide use through biological control strategies, including pioneering work with banker plant systems.

Read more about his induction and lasting impact on 🔗 https://go.ufl.edu/a9oo6ec

Photo courtesy of FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association).

07/04/2026

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend celebrating our nation’s independence and America’s 250th birthday!

06/26/2026

We’re excited to welcome Tina McIntyre to her new role as the UF/IFAS Extension Regional Specialized Agent for Sustainable Land Development!

Based at our center, this newly created position will strengthen collaboration across research, Extension, and community partners to support sustainable land development in Central Florida.

Learn more about her role 🔗 https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/clue/2026/06/17/mcintyre-named-sustainable-development-agent/

UF/IFAS has announced an important step forward for sustainable growth in our state with the appointment of Dr. McIntyre as the new Regional Sustainable Development Agent for Central Florida. This newly created position reflects a growing need for coordinated, science‑based guidance as communities across the region continue to expand and adapt to changing environmental pressures.

In this role, Dr. McIntyre will collaborate closely with local governments, water management districts, developers, industry partners, and UF/IFAS experts to shape low‑impact development strategies that protect natural resources and conserve water. Her work will also help identify opportunities for green stormwater infrastructure—an increasingly critical component of resilient community planning in Central Florida.

This appointment directly strengthens the Florida‑Friendly Landscaping™ program by expanding the support available to communities seeking practical, research‑driven approaches to sustainable land use. With a focus on thoughtful planning, resource efficiency, and long‑term environmental stewardship, this new regional position opens the door to meaningful progress for both the landscape industry and the residents it serves.

06/05/2026

Looking for a new to add to your indoor plant collection? 🪴

Thanks to funding from the National Horticulture Foundation, breeders Jianjun Chen and Richard Henny have released two new varieties and they’re the perfect additions.

Let us know your favorite below.

⚠️ Reminder: Pothos are a category II species in Florida – keep it potted indoors to protect native ecosystems. Before planting anything, check the UF/IFAS plant database to ensure it’s safe to plant outside.

05/08/2026

It's Hurricane Preparedness Week! Our friends at Colorado State University predict above-average activity this year.

Visit disaster.ifas.ufl.edu for resources to help prepare you, your loved ones (including your animals), and your property.

04/29/2026

Research led by Dr. Hayk Khachatryan, professor of food and resource economics, reveals a critical gap in how homeowners and HOA leaders understand stormwater ponds and their impacts on flooding risks and water quality across Florida.

Stormwater ponds are everywhere in Florida neighborhoods, but a new survey shows most homeowners do not understand what they are actually designed to do. 🤔

With thousands of ponds under pressure from excess nutrients and increased runoff, homeowner knowledge matters more than ever.

Learn what most residents, including HOA board members, are missing and why it matters for flooding and water quality 🔗 tr.ee/ZjVvheG4cV

04/28/2026

We’re hiring an Assistant/Associate Professor of Urban Landscape Entomology. This is a 12-month, tenure-accruing faculty position with 60% research and 40% Extension. Tenure will accrue in the UF Entomology & Nematology Department

Click here to learn more: https://go.ufl.edu/urbanlandscapeentomology

04/27/2026

Join us in congratulating Dr. Hayk Khachatryan, professor in the UF IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, on graduating from LEAD21!

LEAD21 is a program designed to develop leaders in land-grant institutions and their strategic partners to connect research, academics, and Extension. Through this experience, our faculty build essential leadership skills, grow strong peer networks, and gain tools to lead effectively.