As we step forward into the magic of the season, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what we’re most grateful for: the beauty of our naturehood, the vibrancy of our community and the little things we can do to keep them in harmony.
After all, the holidays aren’t just the unofficial start of winter; they’re also the perfect time to hit pause, take stock and rethink how we can live more sustainably in the months ahead. With a few simple shifts, you can make this season both joyful and mindful.
Here are some ideas to help you get started!
1. Green up your holiday gatherings
Can you host an epic holiday party and help the planet? Absolutely! From sustainable gift wrapping, serving eco-friendly food and drinks to swapping incandescent decorative lights for LEDs, going greener is easier than you think. In fact, we think it might just make any celebration even more memorable.
2. Winter Wanderland
While other states may be hunkering down for a long winter’s nap this time of year, Florida’s sunshine and mild temps invite you to get outside. Take advantage of low-impact outdoor activities like walking, biking – or even birdwatching! Venture over to Basecamp, your gateway to over two miles of quiet, curious and unspoiled naturehood trails.
3. Give your old stuff a second shot
Donating gently used items before the holiday rush keeps them out of landfills and ensures they’re available for holiday shoppers. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and lighten the environmental load. Not to mention the sweet euphoria of a good declutter.
4. Volunteer
Your time and energy can be powerful resources. Why not channel them into something meaningful? The Florida Headwaters Foundation is a great place to start. Its mission, like Sunbridge’s, works to protect the land and water that sustain our community. Get involved by volunteering for the Audubon Kissimmee Valley Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 22. This event offers a rare glimpse into bird migration patterns—key indicators of our region’s habitat health.
5. Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Swap single-use cups for reusable mugs and bottles. While you’re at it, consider adding stainless steel or glass straws to your kitchen drawer of earth-friendly items. And here’s another tip: when ordering takeout, request no disposable cutlery—you likely don’t need it anyway! Bonus points: Personalized mugs and water bottles make thoughtful and eco-friendly holiday gifts.
6. Recycle Right
Be sure to check the Osceola County recycling guidelines to keep your bin free of non-recyclables—one wrong item can send the whole batch to the landfill. And don’t forget: no plastic bags! They jam up sorting machines at recycling facilities and often end up as waste. Thinking greener? Try an in-home composting system to reduce waste AND nourish your plants.
7. Make your home more energy efficient.
Small changes can make a big difference. When temperatures start to drop, turn your thermostat down a degree or two—it adds up. Flip your ceiling fans clockwise to move that warm air around. Let the sun in during the day, then close your blinds at night to keep the cold out. Simple, smart, and cozy!
In Sunbridge, we believe you can make a lasting impact by leaving a smaller footprint. How are you planning to make your holiday traditions more sustainable? We’d love to hear your ideas!
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The more, the merrier—that’s what the season is all about, right? More moments to gather ’round, more chances to show gratitude, and, yes, maybe even adding one more ugly sweater to the collection.
When it comes to the holidays, we’re all for more. But when “more” means endless prompts to online deals, Black Friday buzz and super-secret Cyber Monday promo codes, it can overfill our carts and feel a little…much.
Fear not, we think we’ve got the perfect antidote.
Instead of endlessly scrolling through yet another deal, how about trading that screen time for something way more refreshing? Let’s reclaim our holidays by taking more time to relax, recharge, and ramble through the wonder that’s all around us. This season, let’s say YES to fresh air and NO to screentime overload.
Here are our top five ways to get outside this holiday season, Sunbridge-style.
1. Beginnings at Basecamp
The heart of outdoor adventures in Sunbridge! Our community trailhead, home to our Info Yurt and pretty much the best place to kick off any fresh-air fun– whether you’re going for a hike, picnicking on the pavilion or chasing a golden hour sunset. Whatever your next outdoor moment is, it begins here. And speaking of outdoor excursions, circle November 30 on your calendar for Starry Night! It’s our 100% screen-free, totally in-real-life, holiday festival happening right here at Basecamp. Get all the details and save the date here.
2. Acorn Park and Chill
Acorn Park is full of spots just waiting to be your new happy place. Park yourself under a shady tree or out on the Great Lawn. Log off, let go and take that nap you’ve totally earned.
3. Namaste Your Way
Curb your Sunday Scaries with a little Sunbridge Zen. Breathe deep, stretch out and calm your mind at one of our Sunday morning yoga sessions. Just bring your mat—we’ll supply the good vibes.
4. Now Open: The New Nature Center
Haven’t been to the new Nature Center from The Florida Headwaters Foundation? It’s time. Wildlife enthusiasts, rejoice! This place is a must-see and perfect for anyone curious about the amazing nature we’re lucky to call home.
5. Wander the Trails
Our list comes full circle back at Basecamp—your gateway to over two miles of softly winding, gently rolling, perfectly unpaved trails. Walk, run or ride, these trails are hands-down our favorite way to “get away,” even if it’s in our own backyard.
In our community, nature isn’t just part of the scenery—it’s what helps us thrive. That’s why we think getting outside is the gift that keeps on giving.
So, how about starting a new holiday tradition? Let’s swap screen time for sunshine, fresh air and a whole lot more of the great outdoors.
Happy trails!
Ready to make the move to Sunbridge? Click here to view our new homes.
As summer slowly fades into fall, change is in the air. It’s a timely reminder that during September, as we fully embrace Environmental Awareness Month, the changes we’re making in our community—from renewable energy options to being more mindful of the natural splendor that surrounds us—can make a significant difference creating a more sustainable future for our region.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a part of who we are. And we invite you to be a part of it, too.
Come with us as we celebrate our shared naturehood and explore ways we’re making a lasting impact together.
Driven by Stewardship
Some simply see Sunbridge as a planned community. We see it as part of a bigger plan. The land we occupy has long played a keystone role in balancing wildlife, water and climate in our region. We’re committed to being stewards of this relationship, working not just alongside nature but collaborating with it, helping maintain one of the world’s most ecologically diverse areas. This shapes how we grow and motivates us to innovate, striving to make things better than when we started.
Live the Mission
This month, the team at Florida Headwaters Foundation is thrilled to have opened their nature center at Basecamp. We’re excited to support this organization as it provides events, educational programs and a myriad of volunteer opportunities to the community. These will allow our residents to get involved and embrace the mission of this meaningful program every day.
Residents will be able to take advantage of guided bus tours around Lake Myrtle, followed by a hike through the oak hammock’s sandy hills. For younger naturehood dwellers, their Little Explorers program offers weekly activities open to residents and the public.
To Protect & Preserve
We’re all about keeping our local watershed healthy. It’s a profound responsibility we uphold through thoughtful actions like regular monitoring and smart landscaping centered around native plants. Our next ambitious goal to preserve this vital resource? Reducing our per-person water use to well below that of a typical community our size.
An Ecological Focus
Take a walk down any one of Sunbridge’s tree-lined streets or swing by Basecamp, and you’ll see our commitment to ecological preservation firsthand. We’ve worked with certified arborists to transplant hundreds of trees and started our own honeybee colonies to support local pollination. We’re always exploring new ways to protect Central Florida’s native flora and fauna.
Clean Energy Efficiency
In our Weslyn Park neighborhood, every home comes equipped with solar panels. Many homes also feature top-rated, high-efficiency features like smart thermostats, advanced HVAC systems and low-emissivity windows—designed to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
For more information on how we’re celebrating Environmental Awareness Month in Sunbridge, check us out on social and review our events page. You’ll find all sorts of ways to explore and get involved in our uniquely Florida naturehood all year long.
Here’s to a wonderful month of discovery, engagement and positive impact. See you out there!
Welcome to the Sunbridge Builder Spotlight Series: A look at the best-in-class builders turning our vision of Living Florida into reality. These homes blend classic Florida architecture with innovative and energy-efficient upgrades; in this piece, we take a deep dive into the design-forward details of Ashton Woods.
The Designer’s Dream Home
Ashton Woods believes in thoughtful design as its first, second, and third nature—the driving principle behind every decision in the homebuilding process.
Featuring floor plans that prioritize harmony and rhythm, these homes are built to honor everyday moments by turning function into something both beautiful and personal—emphasizing collaboration during design so that the homes they build personify the people who will live in them.
The bottom line? Irresistible homes that are simply easy to live in, homes that fit uniquely with the local landscaping.
With over 30 years of experience and a sterling reputation across the nation, Ashton Woods operates in seven Orlando-based communities alone—more than 50,000 families now live in homes built by the company. In Sunbridge, the developer is honing in on nine models, offering a mix of detached homes and alley-adjacent townhomes that begin in the $400,000 range.
Single Family Homes
From the mid $500’s
Home Plans: 9
Bedrooms: 3-6 Bedrooms
Baths: 2-5 Baths | 1 Half Bath
Floors: 1-2 Stories
Garage: 2-3
Size: 1,963 – 3,675 Sq Ft
Townhomes
From the $400’s
Home Plans: 3
Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms
Baths: 2 Baths | 1 Half Bath
Floors: 2
Garage: 2
Size: 1,691 – 1,743 Sq Ft
We’re creating something special here—a Naturehood, a community where Florida’s natural environment thrives in lockstep with Metro Orlando—and we’re proud to do it with some of the region’s best and most respected builders.
For more information about Ashton Woods homes available in the community, click here. For more information regarding our builders, please click here.
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Realizing a Vision: Foundation Unveiling Marks Culmination of Sunbridge’s Eco-Vision
The establishment of Florida Headwaters Foundation Inc. marks a significant step towards preserving the natural beauty and resources of Central Florida’s Sunbridge community. As the community’s 501(c)(4) not-for-profit cornerstone, the foundation is dedicated to establishing a culture of understanding and appreciation of the natural world within the Sunbridge community that can be passed on to future generations of Floridians.
Operating independently yet aligned with the Sunbridge mission, the foundation embarks with a vision to ensure that sustainable living becomes a part of the community culture. Sunbridge is the region’s first ‘naturehood,’ integrating the community within the preserved natural landscapes and protected waterways connected to the bordering protected natural lands.
Leading the foundation is Clint Beaty, senior vice president at Tavistock Development Company, who will serve as chairman, and Mike Dennis, a scientist with Breedlove, Dennis & Associates, whose experience and knowledge of the property dates back over 40 years, as vice chairman. Their combined decades of experience developing sustainable communities and environmental consulting will steer the foundation toward its mission of fostering an environmentally rich community.
“Working in harmony with Sunbridge’s visionary approach to community development, we are dedicated to ensuring sustainable living becomes second nature,” said Clint Beaty, chairman of the Florida Headwaters Foundation. “Our educational programming and community engagement initiatives are designed to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship that resonates with the community, starting from its early stages.”
The creation of the foundation further realizes the Sunbridge Stewardship Plan, a detailed framework announced in 2022 designed to ensure the long-term protection and enhancement of the region’s natural resources. This plan outlines key strategies for water quality protection, resource conservation, the adoption of renewable energy sources and the promotion of community engagement in environmental initiatives.
Central to fulfilling the foundation’s mission is the strategic hiring of a naturalist-educator, a key move designed to bridge the gap between community members and the environment. This role will spearhead the development and delivery of educational programs that emphasize the importance of biodiversity, conservation and sustainable living practices.
As part of this programming, the naturalist-educator will work with the Osceola County School District to incorporate environmental stewardship and ecological research into the curriculum of Sunbridge’s new K-8 school scheduled to open Fall 2024.
The Florida Headwaters Foundation is named in recognition of Sunbridge’s unique ecological position, abutting the over 10,000 protected acres to the south that contain Lake Conlin, providing headwaters to the Econlockhatchee River and the Everglades. These waters flow north through the Econlockhatchee swamp into the Econlockhatchee River onto the St. Johns River; and in a separate basin, its waters flow through the Sunbridge chain of lakes, Joel, Myrtle and Preston, then into the Upper Kissimmee system and on to the Everglades. These headwaters are pivotal in sustaining Florida’s ecological balance. By focusing on their preservation, the foundation aims to safeguard the state’s natural heritage, ensuring the health of its water systems and habitats for future generations.
“With the launch of the Florida Headwaters Foundation, we’re recognizing the significance of these headwater systems of swamps and lakes,” says Mike Dennis, vice chairman of the Florida Headwaters Foundation. “The mission is about this recognition, but also creating a culture within the community of knowledge, appreciation and valuing this system and the natural world around us.”
These initiatives are integral to Sunbridge’s philosophy, embodying the concept of ‘naturehood’ — a blend of Florida’s natural ecosystem and vibrant community life. This approach enriches residents’ quality of life and establishes a new standard for sustainable development.
For more information about the Florida Headwaters Foundation, visit FLheadwatersfoundation.org.
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About Florida Headwaters Foundation
The Florida Headwaters Foundation, a pivotal 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization, champions sustainable living and environmental stewardship in Central Florida’s Sunbridge community. It is dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation through initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, scientific research and biodiversity. Operating independently yet aligned with Sunbridge’s mission, the foundation is committed to integrating community engagement, educational programming, and sustainable practices. For more information, visit FLheadwatersfoundation.org.
About Sunbridge
Sunbridge is the latest community from the creators of Lake Nona, Tavistock Development Company. At the forefront of the region’s next wave of connective smart growth, the community encompasses more than 27,000 acres across both Orange and Osceola Counties in Central Florida between metro Orlando and the Space Coast. Built on the success of Lake Nona, Sunbridge carefully mixes residential, recreational, businesses and civic uses designed to create connections to nature. Sunbridge is preserving large stretches of Florida nature and giving people unprecedented access to oak forests, lakes, wetlands, and waterways. The community opened in 2020.
Content provided by The Baldwin Group Insurance
By incorporating sustainable practices into our daily lives, we can make a huge impact. Here are ten examples of ways to be sustainable in everyday life:
- Reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when not in use and keeping your home well-insulated.
- Reduce your water consumption by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, harvesting rainwater, and using water-efficient appliances.
- Recycle and compost to reduce waste and conserve resources.
- Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers to cut the need for single-use plastics.
- Switch to a plant-based diet, as meat and dairy production generates tons of greenhouse gases.
- Support sustainable businesses by purchasing products made from sustainable materials and produced by companies that prioritize sustainability.
- Use public transportation to reduce carbon emissions.
- Plant native trees and gardens and support reforestation projects to help reduce carbon emissions, increase biodiversity, and improve air quality.
- Support community-based efforts that promote sustainable living, such as community gardens and renewable energy projects.
- Encourage your friends and family to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.
Finding A Sustainable Balance
We’re all about making good choices for both the environment and ourselves — like reducing our carbon footprint, cutting waste, supporting sustainable businesses, and being mindful of how our actions impact the planet.
When you’re ready for home insurance, let us know. By doing the comparison shopping for you, The Baldwin Group Insurance is helping you reduce your carbon footprint, too!
The Baldwin Group Insurance’s parent company, Baldwin Risk Partners, is a partner on this project by Tavistock Development Company.
Content provided by The Baldwin Group Insurance
Living sustainably is sometimes perceived as an alternative lifestyle, and in a way, it is. Over the last 200+ years, we’ve grown comfortable creating, consuming, and disposing of things at a remarkable rate. These choices have brought on many serious challenges, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, and the depletion of Earth’s natural resources. Living sustainably is about making conscious choices that collectively have a positive impact on everyone and everything.
Preserving the planet
The biggest motivation to live sustainably is, undoubtedly, life itself. As our population grows, the demand for fresh food, clean water, and reliable energy grows with it. If we exhaust these resources, we’ll end up irreversibly damaging the planet and all that live here.
Combatting climate change
Sustainable living also helps slow down the speed of climate change. All those greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are causing the Earth’s temperature to rise and introducing extreme weather events — like melting icecaps, droughts in the western US, floods and crop freezes down south, and extreme blizzards up north.
Social and economic well-being
Sustainability can also bring benefits such as job creation, innovation, and economic growth. For example, demanding renewable energy sources can help to create jobs in the clean energy sector and help to limit dependence on fossil fuels.
When you’re ready for home insurance, let us know. By doing the comparison shopping for you, The Baldwin Group Insurance is helping you reduce your carbon footprint, too!
The Baldwin Group Insurance‘s parent company, Baldwin Risk Partners, is a partner on this project by Tavistock Development Company.
Content provided by The Baldwin Group Insurance
Sustainability is a key concept in today’s world as we strive to preserve the planet for future generations. It’s about making choices that minimize our impact on the environment, from reducing energy consumption and waste to choosing products made from sustainable materials and supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability.
Sustainable living requires reducing our carbon footprint
One of the core principles of living sustainably is having a smaller carbon footprint — the total amount of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide we emit into the atmosphere due to how we live. You don’t have to take drastic measures to reduce your carbon footprint.
It’s not just about being environmentally friendly — although that’s a big part. It’s about using resources responsibly and efficiently so they will forever be available. That could mean opting for an electric vehicle, switching to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, or biking to do local errands rather than taking the car.
Sustainable living requires being intentional about the products we use
We can also adopt recycling and composting and be mindful of how much we rely on single-use plastics.
Renovating a kitchen or bath? Ask your contractors if they’re using sustainable materials and hold yourself to a higher standard when it comes to water usage and heating and cooling your home.
When you’re ready for home insurance, let us know. By doing the comparison shopping for you, The Baldwin Group Insurance is helping you reduce your carbon footprint, too!
The Baldwin Group Insurance‘s parent company, Baldwin Risk Partners, is a partner of Tavistock Development Company.
One great thing about Floridians: When it’s hot, we have lots of ways to stay cool.
In Sunbridge, we’re always looking for ways to help our residents enjoy the outdoors while lowering our footprint on the planet. After all, to be good stewards of our lands means to preserve their natural beauty as much as possible.
Here are some tips on how to stay cool in our summer heat while being mindful of our planet at the same time.
🏡 Go au naturel with your ventilation: Harness nature’s breezes by opening windows and using fans strategically. Cross-ventilation naturally cools your space without energy-intensive cooling systems.
🔄 Check your ceiling fans’ direction: Ensure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise, which pushes cool air down. Remember to turn fans off when you leave a room to save energy.
🛀 Take refreshing cool baths and showers: Opt for a cool shower instead of a hot one, which both lowers your body temperature and saves energy.
💦 Choose eco-friendly water play: Consider sprinklers with adjustable flow settings or sprinklers where the water recirculates during use.
🌦️ Reconsider your watering schedule: With our consistent afternoon Florida rains, consider adjusting your lawn irrigation schedule to conserve water.
News Coverage from News 6 / Click Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – Nestled in the 27,000-acre Sunbridge development, Weslyn Park is a first-of-its-kind community in Central Florida where every home is built with solar panels or roofs.
The developer behind the Sunbridge neighborhood, Tavistock Development Company, has teamed up with five different builders to install Tesla solar panels and roofs.
“I actually probably save on average, maybe 30% to 40% of my bill,” said Jarrett Brown, the fourth person to buy a home in Weslyn Park in Osceola County.
The cost of the homes at Weslyn Park range from $400,000 to $900,000, according to Rob Adams, senior vice president of Residential Development. Adams said the minimum 4.25-kilowatt solar package is included in the base price of the homes.
“So the buyer, when they come, they don’t see the price. It’s part of the price of the home. The builder pays for that system,” said Adams.
He told News 6 that system costs around $9,500, but there are options to upgrade by adding Tesla’s Power Wall system for back-up power and for use in the evening and other non-power generating times.
A Tesla solar roof is also an upgrade option, but we are told it is more of a niche purchase.
Adams said when buyers move in the first year they can be eligible for tax credits. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, people who get a solar photovoltaic (or PV) system on their home can be eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. The tax credit is only for people who own the solar panels, not for people who lease them.
Read more on ClickOrlando.com…
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