The Osceola County School District and Sunbridge are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Voyager K-8, an Environmental STEM school dedicated to cultivating a community of environmentally conscious leaders. Opening this fall, Voyager K-8 is committed to providing a one-of-a-kind educational adventure focused on environmental stewardship and sustainable living, in sync with Central Florida’s first naturehood-focused community, Sunbridge.
Voyager K-8 has been working in collaboration with the Sunbridge community and the Florida Headwaters Foundation to integrate environmental education into its curriculum. This summer, Clint Beaty, Senior VP of Operations for Tavistock, teamed up with teachers and leadership by hosting “tree-mendous” workshops to dive deep into Sunbridge’s guiding principles and cool initiatives from the Sunbridge Stewardship Plan.
“We’re really proud of our partnership with Voyager K-8 and the Osceola County School District,” said Clint Beaty. “By making environmental awareness a core part of learning, we’re helping to raise a generation of students who understand and care about sustainability. These kids will be the ones who look after our community and drive positive changes in the world.”
Voyager K-8 will offer awesome electives like Agriculture and Paxton Patterson Labs, where students can dig into plant and animal systems, explore natural resources, and engage in hands-on environmental labs. These courses are designed to spark curiosity and a love for sustainability.
“The collaboration with Sunbridge and the Florida Headwaters Foundation is a unique opportunity for our school to engage with innovative educational approaches and environmental stewardship with the full support of the community,” said Dustin Sassic, the inaugural principal of Voyager K-8. “We will develop leaders in our community that understand environmental sustainability to ensure our state’s resources are around for years to come.”
The Florida Headwaters Foundation, a not-for-profit cornerstone of the Sunbridge community, will play a key role in this mission. Their naturalist-educator will support a culture of environmental stewardship through fun educational programs and community initiatives.
Voyager K-8’s vision to “build a community of leaders through a sustainable future” comes to life through its innovative, curiosity-driven approach to education.
Get ready for an exciting journey towards a greener future! For updates and more information about what’s new with Voyager K-8, be sure to follow their Facebook page.
In an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men, Molly Maykut shines as a senior homebuilder at David Weekley Homes. From her background in commercial contracting to now spearheading the construction of many homes in our Weslyn Park neighborhood, Molly’s professional journey exemplifies determination, adaptability, and a passion for helping families create their dream homes. Molly recently sat down with us to share insights into her role, her (occasionally-challenging) experiences as a woman in construction, and what makes her work in Sunbridge so fulfilling.
Can you tell us about your role as a senior builder at David Weekley Homes?
Molly Maykut: At David Weekley Homes, we call our supervisors “builders,” while other companies might use terms like “superintendents” or “project managers.” As a senior builder, I oversee the construction of homes from start to finish. I’m heavily involved with homeowners, guiding them through the process with weekly calls and updates. The “senior” part of my title reflects my tenure and leadership within the company. I started as a builder in 2018, became a lead builder a year later, and have been a senior builder for over three years now.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Molly: Every day is different, which is one of the things I love about my job. While the process of building any home follows a general sequence, each home brings its own unique challenges. My days are filled with problem-solving, coordinating schedules, managing tradespeople and vendors, dealing with inspectors, and ensuring everything stays on track. It’s a lot of on-your-feet, out-of-the-box thinking.
Have you ever had to get hands-on at a construction site?
Molly: Yes, there have been times when I’ve had to step in and do some hands-on work, like tearing out drywall or fixing tiles. While I think I’m better at directing others, sometimes you do have to get in there and get things done yourself, especially when things aren’t going as planned.
How did you come to work in this field?
Molly: My interest in construction started with my dad, who is very handy and has his own handyman business. I started my career in the hospitality industry, before deciding I didn’t want to be a bartender forever. I then tried some different things, including massage therapy and real estate, before landing a job with a commercial contractor. Next, I transitioned to residential construction with David Weekley Homes, where I’ve been since 2018. Along the way, I also earned a business management certificate from Cornell University. That’s in addition to the real estate license and general-contractor license that I currently hold.
How rare is it to encounter other women in your line of work?
Molly: When I started at David Weekley, there were only five female builders in the company, out of more than 360 total builders across the company. Across the entire construction industry, it’s still uncommon to see women in leadership positions. This line of work requires unusually thick skin and the ability to command respect in an environment where a woman in charge is not the norm.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Molly: It’s incredibly rewarding to see a home go from a piece of dirt to a completed house. It’s very satisfying to hand the keys to happy homeowners, knowing that I played a part in creating their new dream home.
How much of your workload is focused on Sunbridge?
Molly: In the six years I’ve been with David Weekley Homes, I’ve had the opportunity to work in several communities in metro Orlando, including Lake Nona’s Laureate Park neighborhood. Recently, a significant portion of my work has been focused on homes in the Weslyn Park neighborhood in Sunbridge. The community here is vibrant and growing, and it’s exciting to be part of its development. Each project in Weslyn Park brings unique challenges and rewards, and it’s truly satisfying to contribute to a community that values innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.
From your perspective as a builder, what makes Sunbridge unique compared to other communities?
Molly: Sunbridge is a special place because of its strong emphasis on sustainability and community. The designs and construction practices here are tailored to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly, which aligns with my personal values and those of David Weekley Homes. Additionally, Sunbridge’s master-planned layout and amenities create a cohesive, welcoming atmosphere that you don’t always find in other neighborhoods. It’s not just about building houses. It’s about creating a holistic lifestyle and a sense of belonging for residents.
How do you see Sunbridge evolving in the future, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?
Molly: I see Sunbridge continuing to grow as a model of sustainable living and innovative home design. With more phases and new amenities in the works, Sunbridge is set to attract diverse residents who value quality and sustainability. My goal is to ensure that every home we build meets the high standards that Sunbridge is known for.
We’re proud to have such a dedicated and skilled professional as Molly shaping homes—and lives—in our naturehood! Click here to find your new home and plant your roots in Sunbridge.
Sunbridge is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter with the upcoming opening of Voyager K-8, a school set to revolutionize public education in Osceola County with its innovative approach and environmental focus. Set to open its doors in August for the 2024-2025 school year, Voyager K-8 is poised to become a hub of learning, leadership and environmental stewardship in our community.
Sunbridge sat down with incoming principal Dustin Sassic to learn more about this promising new addition to Sunbridge.
How did you come to your new role at Voyager K-8?
Principal Sassic: I have been in Osceola County for 19 years, in both a traditional elementary and middle school. When I found out about this school opening 2 years ago, I knew I wanted to lead this school and community as it is the community I love and live in. After researching more about the Sunbridge Community and its initiatives, I knew it would be a great fit.
How will Voyager K-8 align with the Sunbridge community’s focus on harmony with the environment?
Mr. Sassic: Our school mission is to foster a curiosity for lifelong learning while developing an appreciation for the environment and humanity through community collaboration. This will be the foundation of every policy and program that we put in place.
Tell me about the environmental STEM program that’s being planned for the school.
Mr. Sassic: Our school is in the process of developing Environmental Storylines for K-8. Every grade level will have an overarching goal and theme that they will learn about and engage in project-based learning.
For example, in first grade, the Storyline is ‘How does our food get from the Farm to our Table?’ Students will learn about plants, seasons, nutrition, etc. As students move to each grade level, they will be immersed in that Storyline.
When they reach middle school, the Storylines become more practical and field-based, allowing students to go into the community and explore the different careers that revolve around E-STEM [Environment, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math].
What sets Voyager K-8 apart from other public or private schools in the area?
Mr. Sassic: We will be a VPK-8th grade school that teaches and promotes leadership in the community. By collaborating with the community around us, our students will be directly involved with Sunbridge’s environmental initiatives and impacting what is happening.
Being a VPK-8th grade school will also provide in-house opportunities for students to lead each other. We will have Service Learning and Engaged Leadership as middle school electives, allowing students to be directly involved in supporting lower grade levels, engage in student government, and make decisions that impact their school.
What challenges do you anticipate as principal of Voyager K-8?
Mr. Sassic: Building the culture of Voyager will be extremely important in the first year. For example, I ensuring that the logistical aspects of arrival/dismissal, traffic patterns, and other procedures are communicated clearly to the community. It is an exciting time!
Is there anything else you want Sunbridge residents to know about the new school?
Mr. Sassic: Our goal is to embrace the community around us and use all the resources available within it to ensure our students are provided the best experience possible. Voyager K-8 Wolves represent loyalty, friendship, teamwork, protection, instincts, endurance, curiosity, and playfulness. We are excited to bring the Wolf Pack together!
For updates and more information about what’s new with Voyager K-8, be sure to follow their Facebook page. Voyager K-8 is not just a school; it’s a place committed to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for the environment. We can’t wait to see the beautiful impact they’ll make as part of the wider Sunbridge family!
We’re thrilled to be introducing Melissa Robinson, who’s just joined our friends over at the Florida Headwaters Foundation as their Education and Collaboration Cultivator. Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge as a master gardener and a finely tuned passion for environmental education.
Originally from Illinois, Melissa moved with her family to southwest Florida at a young age. In 2019, she graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies (sciences concentration). She then shared her talents with the Orlando Science Center and the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center before landing at the Foundation.
What exactly does an Education and Collaboration Cultivator do, and how will that show up in your work at the Foundation?
Melissa: In my role at the Florida Headwaters Foundation, I’ll be teaching others about local ecology such as flora and fauna, wildlife, and the different ecosystems that exist in Central Florida. The best way to accomplish this is by partnering with other organizations with similar goals, such as universities, landscaping companies, local schools, and other gardening/agriculture enthusiasts. I’m excited to start hosting tours and workshops where we ask and answer questions like, what is a Florida Friendly Landscape? How do I grow my own food? What’s the difference between a pine flatwoods ecosystem, an oak hammock, or a cypress dome, or a marsh? Why are prescribed fires important, and how do they change the landscape over time? What did the landscape look like 5,000 or 10,000 years ago? How do we live comfortably with Florida’s famous wildlife?
My hope is that people learn about nature in a fun, engaging way with their family, neighbors and friends.
What can Sunbridge residents expect from the projects and programs you’re planning?
Melissa: My goal is to deepen residents’ connection with nature. Unfortunately, that’s been lost these past few generations. Now, people are scared to go outside. They think every plant will give them a rash, or that every creature they see is out to get them somehow. If you don’t go out and connect with the environment, you can turn into someone who’s scared of going outside. That can lead to a lot of health issues—especially mental health issues—in the future.
Through programs for kids, field trips for schools, and workshops for all ages, I hope to inspire a love for the environment, an understanding of why we have laws regarding its protection, and a curiosity about the careers that are available in environmental studies. We’re also partnering with educational institutions like the University of Central Florida (UCF) and University of Florida’s IFAS to launch research projects and additional educational opportunities. Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming months!
Tell us more about the children’s programming you envision.
Melissa: I’m planning to set up a parent-and-tot program. It’s my hope that people will be able to come in for kid-friendly educational activities about butterfly life cycles, identifying different trees, how and why birds build nests, and so on.
We’re also looking at building a partnership with the new Voyager K–8 school here in Sunbridge. We’ll be working with teachers on integrating environmental education into their curriculums and their field trips. Hopefully, we’ll also set up a demonstration garden on school property for the kids to attend gardening workshops.
Beyond the borders of Sunbridge, how will the Foundation benefit the wider Orlando community?
Melissa: We’re already working with UCF and UF/IFAS on research projects and hope to eventually expand to other universities as well. By partnering with organizations and schools, we aim to be a resource for anyone who’s interested in learning about the environment. Our long-term vision includes various kinds of consistent community engagement, including a 24-mile wildlife trail that will be open to the public.
What are some of the challenges you foresee and how do you plan to overcome them?
Melissa: As a new foundation, building awareness of our activities and our mission is a key challenge. For the moment, we’re working on setting up educational materials and trails to attract visitors. Another challenge is the broad scope of the work we’re aiming to do, but we’re just taking it one step at a time and focusing on our goals.
What are you most excited about?
Melissa: I’m most excited about helping families and children discover the wonders of nature. I love seeing the immediate impact of my work and inspiring others to appreciate the environment.
What is the long-term vision for the Florida Headwaters Foundation in the next 5, 10, or 20 years?
Melissa: My vision is for the Foundation to become a hub for environmental education and research, not just for Sunbridge but for all of metro Orlando.
I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to be a resource for this special community. I look forward to helping Sunbridge residents develop a deeper appreciation for our environment and all it has to offer.
For more information, visit Florida Headwaters Foundation.
If you’re considering a move to (or within) Sunbridge, there’s surely a wide variety of options under your consideration at the moment. Mind if we add one more? You might find it helpful to familiarize yourself with the variety of construction methods out there. One popular choice offering quite a few benefits for you: frame construction.
At a recent event for real estate agents at Sunbridge, special guests from James Hardie, The Baldwin Group Insurance, Monta Consulting + Design, APA – The Engineered Wood Association and Simpson Strong Tie shed light on the advantages of frame construction. Here are a few key points that prospective Sunbridgers might like to be aware of:
More Square Footage
One significant advantage of frame construction is that it allows for more square footage inside the house, as compared to block construction. Block construction tends to take up some square footage within the walls of your home, thereby cutting down on your usable space. With frame construction, you can enjoy a more spacious interior—and really make the most of every room in your home.
Equal Strength to Block Construction
Frame construction is just as structurally robust as block construction. Why? Well, frame construction must meet the exact same code requirements as block construction. These requirements exist to ensure that your home will withstand the elements and the test of time. You can rest assured that any frame-built home will provide the strength and durability you need to enjoy lasting peace of mind.
Insurance Benefits
Insurance companies typically consider homes with partial frame construction—think: a two-story home with frame on the second story only—as a full-frame construction. This means that insurance rates for partial frame construction homes are often the same or comparable to those for all-frame construction homes. This can lead to potential savings on your insurance premiums. Who doesn’t love that?
Possible Savings
As an additional bonus for Sunbridge homeowners, homes in Sunbridge with James Hardie siding may qualify for a special discount on home insurance from Guided Solutions. (Get in touch to learn more details.) James Hardie siding has earned a reputation for durability, beauty, and low maintenance. No wonder it’s become a popular choice among homeowners!
Thinking about taking the leap over to Sunbridge? Discover all your neighborhood and builder choices here.
Spring has sprung in Sunbridge, and with it comes a new buzz of excitement—literally! We’re thrilled to share that we’ve embarked on a sweet, new initiative that’s creating quite the buzz around here. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of some incredible individuals, beehives have been installed right here at Basecamp.
Meet the enthusiastic team behind this exciting project: Megan Jensik, Chloe Planakis, Kendall Lewin, Hannah Hall, and Ryan Christoe — all undergraduate students enrolled in Dr. Patrick Bohlen’s upper-level, research-intensive “Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping” course at the University of Central Florida. We’re grateful to these biologists-in-training for bringing their vision of sustainability and environmental stewardship to our wider Sunbridge community.
Back to the newest residents of Sunbridge: The bees you’ll see at Basecamp are European honey bees, specifically a Carniolan cross stock bred by Indian Summer Honey Farm near Webster, Florida. Known for their gentle nature, these bees are by all accounts a joy to work with. Dr. Bohlen anticipates this initiative will be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone in the naturehood: “[The bees] are very gentle and could probably be worked without protective gear, but we always take precautions,” explains Dr. Bohlen.
But it’s not just about honey production. These bees also play a crucial role in our Florida ecosystem. By harvesting nectar from nearby natural areas and from the flora around Sunbridge, they contribute to local pollination efforts, while enabling us to enjoy delicious honey derived from our very own blooms.
“Honey bees will harvest nectar from the surrounding area, including the nearby natural areas which contain major spring-blooming nectar plants like gallberry and saw palmetto,” says Dr. Bohlen. “They will also visit any suitable flowers planted nearby at the Sunbridge Basecamp and surrounding roadways and neighborhoods.”
As with any sustainability initiative, it’s important to strike a balance. While honey bees are beneficial pollinators, having too many hives in one location has the potential to interfere with Florida-native pollinators like different kinds of bees (specifically, Southeastern blueberry bees, sweat bees, and American bumble bees), wasps, and other insects. To ensure we maintain a healthy ecosystem, we’ll be monitoring how the bees affect local pollinators.
“This summer, we may examine how they impact pollinators in the nearby boundary planting, where we have two years of pollinator data without the hives nearby, by comparing the pollinator communities before and after the hives were added,” explains Dr. Bohlen.
We’re excited to watch how these bees contribute to the wellbeing of our community and of our shared environment. Stay tuned for more updates as UCF and Sunbridge embark on this sweet journey together!
If you ask us, it’s way more fun to deep-clean your family’s home with a springtime backdrop of blooming flowers and chirping birds. And this year, we’re upping the spring-cleaning ante to get greener—not just cleaner.
It’s easier than you might expect to incorporate more eco-friendly practices into your spring-cleaning ritual. Here are a few easy ways to positively impact the environment and make your home a happier, healthier place to be.
It’s Only Natural
You don’t have to rely on harsh chemical cleaners to make your whole house sparkle. There are plenty of naturally-derived ingredients (think vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice) that can effectively clean surfaces without leaving behind harmful chemical residues.
According to a study by the Environmental Working Group, many common household cleaners contain toxic chemicals that may contribute to indoor air pollution and potentially pose some health risks down the line. It’s simple to reduce your exposure to these questionable substances by buying non-chemical cleaning products—or by mixing up your own!
Declutter Responsibly
If you find yourself on a spring decluttering spree, pause for a moment to consider the possible environmental impact of that discard pile. Instead of throwing away items that are still in good and useful condition, consider donating them to charities or re-selling through online consignment retailers.
Earth.org estimates that in a typical year, the average American throws away about 80 pounds of clothing and other textiles. And that’s just fabrics—think about all the other unwanted items that pile up in landfills every year! By donating or selling any items that no longer spark joy, you’re making a small but meaningful dent in this overwhelming figure.
Up with Upcycling
There are positively oodles of ways to creatively repurpose items that you no longer need for their original intended purpose. Ever cut up old towels to use as cleaning rags? Or turned empty glass jars into cute storage containers? And those are just a couple of ideas to get you started on your upcycling journey.
These may seem like small choices with small impacts to match. But taken together, those small changes can seriously add up. The Ocean Blue Project reports that upcycling can reduce manufacturing costs, minimize the drain on natural resources, and cut back on society-wide waste and pollution. Plus, it’s just plain fun to get those creative juices flowing towards the good of our planet.
Mind the Taps
Throughout your cleaning journey, keep an eye on your usage of water and energy. Turn off the tap while hand-washing dishes, and use the cold water setting on your washing machine whenever possible.
It’s a win-win situation: Reducing water consumption can help conserve this precious resource and lower your utility bills. Bonus benefit! Per the American Cleaning Institute, washing clothes and household linens in cold water may be a positive step in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions.
Reuse, Reuse Again
Instead of single-use cleaning wipes and paper towels, choose reusable cloths (or those old towels we just talked about!) and mop heads. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, paper products account for about 25% of the waste that winds up in landfills. Help reduce that amount of waste—and save yourself some money in the long run—with durable, reusable alternatives.
This is the year! The year you challenge yourself to green up spring cleaning by choosing natural products, decluttering responsibly, repurposing items, conserving resources, and ditching single-use cleaning tools.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s roll up our sleeves, put on an energizing cleaning playlist, and make this spring-cleaning season the greenest one yet!
Looking to make the move into a more sustainable home? Find out how you can plant your roots in our Weslyn Park neighborhood.
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.
Here in Florida, sunny isn’t just a constant state of mind. Year-round, our gardens are positively buzzing with life! While many Americans associate pollinators with spring and summer only, the mild winter climate we enjoy in Florida attracts a beautiful variety of pollinator species throughout all 4 seasons, and Sunbridge is no different! By creating a pollinator-friendly backyard, you can support these important creatures while also beautifying your outdoor space.
Winter Visitors: Who’s Buzzing Around?
During the winter months, Florida plays host to a diverse array of pollinators. Some, like many colonies of monarch butterflies, have taken up permanent residence in this warm climate. Others, such as the painted lady butterfly, travel through our state on their way to farther-flung destinations like Mexico. Bees, including native species like the southeastern blueberry bee, continue their vital work of pollinating plants throughout the cooler months.
Create Your Pollinator Paradise
Now that you know who might be stopping by your backyard this winter, it’s time to roll out the welcome mat! Here are some tips for making your outdoor space pollinator-friendly:
- Choose Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to Florida’s climate and provide food and shelter for local pollinators. Consider planting species like the firebush, beautyberry, and milkweed, all of which are known to attract a variety of pollinators.
- Provide Water: Pollinators need water to survive, so consider adding a shallow dish or birdbath to your garden. Keep it filled with fresh water, and consider adding some rocks or pebbles to provide landing spots for butterflies and bees.
- Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can be harmful to pollinators, so try to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, opt for other pest-control methods such as using insecticidal soaps on your plants.
- Create a Habitat: Pollinators need more than just food and water. They also need places to rest and nest. Consider leaving some areas of your garden wild to provide an inviting habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to call home.
Why Biodiversity Matters
As you design your pollinator-friendly backyard paradise, remember that you’re not just creating a beautiful outdoor space for family and neighbors to enjoy. You’re also playing a role in preserving Florida’s rich and colorful biodiversity! By supporting pollinator activities, you’re helping to ensure the health of our ecosystems—and of the plants and animals that depend on them.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, why not make your backyard a haven for pollinators this winter? With a little elbow grease, you can create a space that helps keep Florida the special place that it is.
We’re delighted to share that Sunbridge has landed in not one, but two top 50 lists of master planned communities for 2023! John Burns Research & Consulting and RCLCO have both recognized what has been a real banner year for the entire Sunbridge community. In 2023, Sunbridge welcomed 387 new homeowners into the naturehood. That’s up 58% year-over-year, as compared to 2022’s stat of 249 new Sunbridge homeowners!
All facts and figures aside, we’re delighted that the Sunbridge way of life is resonating so deeply with new homebuyers. “Making the top 50 fastest-selling communities is a significant milestone for us,” shares Rob Adams, Tavistock’s Senior Vice President of Residential Development in a recent article with the Orlando Business Journal. “It reflects the fact that so many people are seeing the value and planting roots in the community. We see that only growing as the community matures with more homes, shopping and recreational opportunities.”
It’s a milestone that feels especially meaningful to us in the midst of this uncertain housing market. It’s more important than ever to align major household decisions with treasured core values. And as sustainability becomes an ever more essential factor in our lives, we’re glad to continue growing the partnerships that keep Sunbridge a forward-looking, ecologically conscious place to live.
As we keep moving forward into 2024, we hope the Sunbridge community keeps on capturing the hearts of homebuyers looking for an extraordinary place to call home.
If you’re interested in planting your roots in our community, check out our neighborhoods and homebuilders here.