UF/IFAS News: Sources for prepping landscaping for wildfires, Food is Medicine research, and more

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For the week beginning April 27, 2026

TIMELY NEWS Florida is facing a record drought, and as a result, homeowners can make their landscaping less vulnerable to wildfires. Through firewise landscaping practices, you can incorporate fire safety into landscape design to ensure your home is safe when a wildfire comes near.   News media sources are available about firewise landscaping practices across the state. 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.

Setting the table: UF/IFAS ‘Food is Medicine’ farm shows how culturally relevant crops can strengthen agriculture In South Florida, a new University of Florida initiative is bringing the concept of “Food is Medicine” to life by helping farmers grow nutrient-dense, culturally relevant crops that reflect the region’s diverse consumer preference. Contact >

EN ESPAÑOL: La finca ‘La Comida como Medicina’ de UF/IFAS muestra cómo se puede fortalecer la agricultura con cultivos culturalmente relevantes. Contacto >

Survey shows most homeowners don’t understand the two key jobs of stormwater ponds Despite relying on stormwater ponds every day, most residents — including many members of homeowners association (HOA) boards — don’t realize that stormwater ponds have two critical jobs, according to a new Ask IFAS document exploring what homeowners know about the ponds in their communities. Contact >

From Around IFAS News from across the UF/IFAS network.

Driving Innovation in Phosphorus Sustainability Across South Florida Excess phosphorus fuels algal blooms and affects native plant communities. Advancing phosphorus sustainability is key to protecting these systems, but it requires more than regulation or research. It requires collaboration focused on innovation and real-world testing.

Eyes on Seagrass Blitz in the Indian River Lagoon Do you spend time out on the Indian River Lagoon? Whether you are a fisher spending time out on your boat or a kayaker who enjoys paddling the lagoon, if you are out on the water, you can contribute to the Eyes on Seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon Blitz!

Students discover which invasive plant species are commonly lurking in Gainesville stores and nurseries Two University of Florida juniors took a deep dive into invasive plant species being sold in the Gainesville area. UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics (SFFGS) students Natalie Vargas and Luis Hernandez launched an undercover collaborative independent study this semester under the watchful eye of SFFGS Associate Professor of Forest Systems Michael Andreu, Ph.D.

Best of the rest. Alternative story formats created or supported by UF/IFAS Communications.

Our blogs share knowledge: How to Care for your Landscape During a Drought The amount of water a plant needs depends on many things. A few factors include the plant type, age and size, the environmental conditions, and soil type. When you do water, aim for deep, infrequent waterings to encourage strong root systems. Strong root systems make for more resilient plants.

Video stories: Saving Water on Florida's Tomato Farms - Sowing Sustainability In this episode of Sowing Sustainability, Cory Dombrowski, the farm manager of Sakata Seed Farm, explains how UF/IFAS Extension showcased the use of soil moisture sensors to significantly reduce water usage at the Fort Myers research facility.

Visual learning: Own your farming data Protect your rights and benefits in digital agriculture. Download >  |  More infographics >  |  Contact >

EN ESPAÑOL: Sea dueño de sus datos agrícolas > 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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