UF/IFAS News: Water Conservation Month sources, recognizing venomous snakes, and more

A message from UF/IFAS Communications | Reply For the week beginning March 30, 2026 TIMELY NEWS April is Water Conservation Month in Florida. With ongoing drought conditions, saving water matters. UF/IFAS offers research-based resources to help residents, property owners and growers conserve and lower water bills. Want to track drought conditions? Check out the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), a UF/IFAS-operated service aiding agricultural decision-makers statewide since 1997. Ask IFAS offers guidance on smart-irrigation practices, rain barrel systems and more. Need visuals? Explore UF/IFAS irrigation infographics in English and Spanish. With UF/IFAS Extension offices across 67 counties, experts are ready to provide Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM tips on native and drought-resistant plants. Need an expert? Contact us. Recent research, programs, events and more. We can help you cover and localize news to your area; just use the contact links below or reply to this email. Media Alert: Join experts for the 11th Annual UF/IFAS Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics hosts the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference on April 16, 2026, in Apopka and via Zoom. The event features policymakers and experts discussing agriculture policy, trade, research and artificial intelligence. Contact > A 3-cent investment that pays back millions: The power of UF/IFAS Extension For an average of 3 cents a day per Florida taxpayer, UF/IFAS Extension strengthens families, protects natural resources, supports agriculture and develops youth. UF/IFAS Extension also builds healthier, more resilient communities — complementing and supporting the work of counties, cities and state agencies, without duplicating services. Contact > Wildlife Watch: Can you recognize Florida’s native venomous snakes? Ask IFAS’ bilingual guide shows you how Warmer spring weather brings more outdoor activities—and more encounters with Florida’s native venomous snakes. To help residents understand increased sightings, common habitats and identification from a safe distance, UF/IFAS highlights its bilingual ASK IFAS guide, Recognizing Florida’s Venomous Snakes, also now available in Spanish. Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: Descubriendo la Vida Silvestre: ¿Puede reconocer las serpientes venenosas nativas de Florida? Le presentamos una guía práctica basada en el manual bilingüe de Ask IFAS.                                                                                                                           Contacto > Sign up now: UF researchers recruiting Florida horse owners for equine joint pain study UF/IFAS researchers are recruiting North Central Florida horse owners to enroll horses with osteoarthritis or other joint pain in a non-invasive, NIH-funded equine joint pain study focused on early detection and prevention of lameness, especially in the fetlock joint. Contact > Want to attract birds to your outdoor spaces? Ask IFAS bilingual resources offer guidance on the right approach Backyard bird feeding is popular in Florida, and the right setup can attract birds you can enjoy up close. UF/IFAS experts explain how proper feeder choices support bird health and diversity in Attracting Backyard Birds: Bird Feeder Selection, also available in Spanish. Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: ¿Desea atraer aves a su patio? La guía bilingüe de Ask IFAS ofrece orientación sobre cómo hacerlo de manera adecuada.                                                               Contacto > UF/IFAS raises $13,000 for UF therapeutic horticulture program via Flavors of Florida fundraiser The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) announced its 2026 Flavors of Florida fundraiser raised $13,000 for the UF therapeutic horticulture program, supporting efforts that reduce stress and promote positivity among students, patients and community members. Contact > From Around IFAS News from across the UF/IFAS network. Letting plants grow naturally helps pollinators In a residential landscape in Florida, a simple change in how shrubs are trimmed is improving plant health and helping pollinators like bees. From wasteland to wonderland: A food forest journey  What started as a simple conversation about restoring a wild area with edible plants soon evolved into a fascinating food forest project. See the transformation in this three-part series now in its harvest stage. Agents of Discovery go to the beach! South county parks, preserves on tap Put on your Special Agent gear and head on down to North Jetty Park in Nokomis to explore nature like never before! Learn all about North Jetty Park while exploring the natural history of the beach, dunes and intercoastal area. Then stay for a snack or a swim, or play on the playground! Best of the rest. Alternative story formats created or supported by UF/IFAS Communications. Our blogs share knowledge: From Pie to Plate: Blueberries reimagined Blueberries go beyond desserts in this flavorful cookbook featuring 50 recipes, from sweet treats to savory dishes. Find new ways to enjoy this versatile fruit and bring fresh ideas to your kitchen. Video stories: Research That Helps Florida Farms Save Water - Sowing Sustainability This episode of Sowing Sustainability features, Lucas Conran, farm operations manager with Lipman Family Farms. He explains how UF/IFAS compact bed geometry research from Dr. Sanjay Shukla helped Lipman's bottom line which significantly reduced water and nutrient inputs at the Naples farm location. Visual learning: How to promote Floridians’ engagement in Wildlife-Friendly Landscape Maintenance Research in late 2022 found Floridians had modest knowledge of wildlife‑friendly landscaping and need clearer guidance on identifying native plants, requesting wildlife‑safe services, reducing pesticide use, and maintaining yards without harmful chemicals. Download >  |  More infographics >  |  Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: Use este enlace para acceder al contenido > Cómo promover la participación de los residentes de Florida en el mantenimiento de las áreas verdes que favorece la vida silvestre                              Contacto > Visit the UF/IFAS Newsroom Find B-roll, photos and more for your coverage needs at ifas.ufl.edu/newsroom. UF/IFAS Communications News and Media Relations Team

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