There’s nothing quite like the feeling of spending time outside: feeling warm sunshine on your face, enjoying a cooling breeze, and taking in the sights and sounds of nature. While we love it, many of us wish we made more time for outdoor activities – and we should! Studies have shown that being outdoors keeps us healthier longer and has a profound impact on our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Here’s how.

Physical Benefits: Moving with Nature

When spending time outdoors, it’s a lot more likely that you’re engaging in activities that keep you moving. Some of these might include more structured physical activities – bike riding, hiking, or outdoor fitness classes – while others just happen naturally! Gardening, picking up a game of Frisbee or catch, or splashing around in a pool are just some examples. 

Putting it simply: our favorite ways to enjoy time outside are not typically sedentary, meaning we get more movement into our day without even trying. 

The benefits to our health are clear: spending time in nature leads to increased physical fitness, reduction in chronic disease and improved cardiovascular health. A study by the USDA Forest Service shows that regular exposure to green spaces can lower blood pressure, decrease the risk of obesity and improve respiratory health as well. Being in the sunshine (with proper skin protection, of course), also improves our vitamin D levels, which is essential for healthy bones and immune systems.

Mental Health Benefits: Feeling Grounded

In addition to the physical benefits of time in the great outdoors, studies also suggest that this time spent outside makes us feel better, too. Immersion in natural landscapes and fresh air has been shown to significantly reduce stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Given these findings, this area of study has continued to grow and become known as “ecopsychology.” Newer research in this field has suggested that immersion in nature helps to relieve mental fatigue and restores attention span. 

Being outside can also have a calming effect on our minds, promoting relaxation, tranquility, and grounding. For many of us, nature is an escape from everyday demands and pressures, allowing us to disconnect from technology and other distractions. Instead, we can use time outside to reconnect with ourselves through mindfulness practices and reflection. Inviting friends and family to join us for outdoor activities is another great way to nurture our relationships.

All in all, enjoying nature boosts our overall mood and enhances our ability to rest and recharge.

Social Benefits: Natural Connections

Building community is important to us in Sunbridge, and being outside fosters a sense of friendship among people, whether they’re already acquainted or not. Parks, trails and recreational areas provide space for neighbors to come together and naturally connect. Picnics with family, team sports and community events in natural settings also promote a sense of belonging. 

These relationships and social support networks are essential to feeling fulfilled as a human being. By engaging with the outdoors, we’re not only reaping mental and physical benefits, but we’re nurturing important social connections, too.

Whether you head outside every day for a quick walk at lunchtime or once your workday is done, spend the weekend lounging or playing on the beach, or just enjoy an al fresco meal with family and friends, breathing fresh open air and observing the beautiful natural surroundings can make you a healthier, happier person. 

Ready to spend even more time outdoors? Click below to find a home in the naturehood.

FIND A HOME

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…

Find a Home in Weslyn Park

Excitement was in the air as residents of Sunbridge gathered for the grand opening of Acorn Park, the centerpiece park to our Weslyn Park neighborhood. This amenity debut also marked our first community resident event, bringing neighbors together to connect and enjoy the community we’re building together.

Opening just in time for summer fun, the park features a brand new community pool for swimmers of all ages! Residents can come catch some rays and make a splash to beat the heat all season long. 

Attendees enjoyed savory snacks, sweet treats and refreshments while getting to know each other. The Homeowners Association also attended, greeting neighbors and making themselves available to answer any questions residents had and sharing all they’re excited for in Sunbridge’s future. 

Acorn Park is Weslyn Park’s new centerpiece, a place for gathering among neighbors, family and friends, with a strolling lawn, spacious “great lawn,” playground and pool with shade cabanas. We hope to see you there soon!

Protecting and Relocating Trees in Sunbridge

In Sunbridge, we cherish the feeling of relaxing in the shade of a mighty canopy. We love our trees and we’ll do just about anything to make sure they’re protected, while still making room for a community that promotes sustainable living in the beauty of nature. 

That’s why Tavistock Development Company, the developer behind Sunbridge, has been quietly relocating hundreds of trees through their tree relocation program. 

Sunbridge is located in an area of Central Florida which is also home to a significant population of Live Oaks, Red Maples, Sabal Palms and Slash Pines. In the community’s development process, the horticulture team saw an opportunity to extend the life of these precious trees by relocating them instead of recycling them. 

It’s not quick work, though it is well worth the effort. In fact, the average tree transfer takes about four months and involves a team of ten people to complete. 

The horticulture team partnered with certified arborists to create a plan for how to select, root prune, move and replant these trees. Sunbridge’s robust maintenance program, along with other important measures, ensures that these trees will thrive in their new placements. 

This important environmental initiative preserves trees that are, on average, 60 to 70 years old, and home to a plethora of mammals, insects and other plant life that depend on them to grow the habitat around Sunbridge.

Around the community, you can see some of these relocated trees at Basecamp, Pioneer Park in Weslyn Park, and along Cyrils Drive. Many more are being integrated in plans throughout Sunbridge.

Before Sunbridge even broke ground, we made a commitment to be kind and responsible stewards of our land. Taking care of our trees by extending their lives and protecting the environmental functions they provide is just one way we fulfill that promise.

School’s out! Now what? Though the school year is over, there’s plenty to do to keep your kids entertained and engaged all summer long. Whether you’ve got littles bursting with energy or teens in need of a screen-time break, these ideas will get them active and engaged with the world around them.

Plant a Seed and Watch it Grow

Gardening is a rewarding and hands-on activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. From tiny seedlings to gorgeous blossoms, gardening reminds us that all good things take time. 

Take your kids to a store to pick out a few seed packets. We recommend selecting some that mature within a month or two for maximum gratification: zinnias, sunflowers and marigolds are great options for central Florida. Start the seeds in a warm but shaded space like the garage or patio and set aside time each day to care for them and measure their growth. Snap a daily pic to save for a fun time lapse later, your kids will be amazed to see the transformation!

A Nature Scavenger Hunt

You don’t have to go far from home to explore a whole new world. Instill a sense of adventure in your kids by helping them explore the breadth and depth of their natural surroundings. 

Create a scavenger hunt for them containing a list of items commonly found in your area: a pinecone, a bird’s nest, a pink flower, a butterfly. Then, get everyone’s walking shoes on and you’re ready to begin! If you’d like, add a layer of competition by recording how many of the objects each kid finds with the goal of finding the most. 

Older kids can snap a pic of each item on phones or tablets to “collect” them, while younger kids should mark off a checklist or ask for your help in documenting their discoveries. From honing observation skills to learning the importance of admiring while respecting nature, this activity is a great way to get children immersed in the outdoors. 

Backyard Camping

It can be easy to forget the campground out back, but backyard camping can be as exciting for kids as a state park! Pitch a tent, grab some lanterns and flashlights, pack a change of clothes, and grab a game or two. Setting up camp and staying entertained will challenge your campers to problem-solve, be a team, and find the fun in being present (no screens allowed!). 

Whether sharing scary or silly stories, mapping the stars, or indulging in a s’more, you’ll love sharing in their wonder. As the sun sets, enjoy the sounds of a summer night and the joy of this backyard escape. 

Keep a Nature Journal

When incorporating daily outdoor activities in your child’s routine, provide them with a special notebook to record their thoughts while out and about. They might not be sure what to write down at first, but a great way to kick them off is to ask them to write down what they see, smell, hear. Encourage their curiosity, and reflections about the time they spend in nature. As they get into the swing of it, you can sit back and enjoy their musings. 

Later on, look back on their earliest entries and strike up a conversation about what they’ve learned in the time since. Plus, this notebook will double as an adorable memory – snap a pic or two to glue into its pages as a keepsake. 

Make a Sundial

For children who are slightly older, this activity is an awesome way to introduce kids to the idea of the solar system and the Earth’s place in it. Start by gathering 12 similarly sized rocks to use as hour markers in your sundial. For extra fun, you can paint these rocks together and create a garden masterpiece. Then, pick out a sunny spot to arrange these in a circle around a paper plate, and number them as you would a clock. Poke a stick in the paper plate to act as the sundial’s spoke. The spoke should be placed at a slight angle pointing north – at noon, it should cast a shadow toward the 12 on your rock clock. 

Once assembled, talk through how the sundial works: as the Earth spins, the position of the sun in the sky shifts, which causes the shadow cast by the spoke to change throughout the day. Based on where the shadow falls, you can tell the time and record how much time has passed. Simplify or go into as much detail as you see fit for your kiddo. 

Throughout time and still true today, we have so much to learn from the nature around us. Time spent outdoors with your kids will teach them valuable lessons, while also allowing them to reap the calming benefits of nature. With a little creativity, you can keep kids engaged and learning all summer long plus make some wonderful memories along the way. 

In a lot of ways, Tavistock Development Co. has been down this road before.

The developer is dubbing Sunbridge — its newest master-planned community that spans 27,000 acres in both Orange and Osceola counties — a “naturehood,” thanks to a blend of design, emphasis on its native landscape and innovation related to sustainability.

Read the original story at Orlando INNO, OBJ.

Last year, when Hurricane Ian knocked out power to 2.6 million Floridians, a master-planned community called Babcock Ranch made international headlines for being the only town in southwest Florida that kept the lights on — thanks to the nearby solar array that powers its 2,000 homes.

Here in Central Florida, Tavistock Development Co. is embracing solar as a key component of Sunbridge, a 27,000-acre community now in development in northeast Osceola County. The developer best known for the wildly successful Lake Nona community in southeast Orlando approved deed restrictions for its Weslyn Park neighborhood that mandates all homes must have a solar rooftop system, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.

The five builders active now in Phase 1 of Weslyn Park, which has 577 homes, are working exclusively with Tesla to offer the minimum required 4.25 kW photo voltaic system. Rob Adams, vice president of development, said that system alone should reduce homeowners’ electric bills by about $60 per month.

Tavistock’s Sunbridge project is the first master-planned community in the Orlando market to require solar roof systems and wood frame construction on all homes.

Read the original story at Orlando Sentinel.

SAINT CLOUD, Fla. – Developer Tavistock is working on a new project called “Sunbridge.” The 27,000-acre property features homes being built with solar panels right from the start, that provide power to the house, and if the homeowner wants it, a battery backup in case the power goes out.

Mayra Pelaez is just moving into her new home in the Sunbridge Weslyn Park subdivision. “Oh, we’re so excited! Really excited!” she said, “We moved from New York last year, and finally we’re moving to the new home!”

Hers is one of nearly 600 new homes that’s going up in this part of the Sunbridge development project, in northern Osceola County, southeast of Orlando. “We are truly developing Sunbridge and completely re-looking at how you can build a community that preserves and protects our environment for future generations,” said Jessi Blakley, a vice president at Tavistock.

The whole plan will eventually hold nearly 23,000 single-family homes and 13,000 multifamily residences. Tavistock said each home is built to high environmental standards, including the solar panels and wiring that provides a minimum of 4.25 kw of electricity right from the start.

“It’s amazing,” Pelaez said, “it’s not having to deal with buying solar panels and not knowing what to do, the house comes with solar panels. Now we’re getting into a new car, which is going to be electric, so it helps a lot. And it’s also good for the environment.”

Construction in the Weslyn Park community started in Spring of 2021. Tavistock said building-out the entire Sunbridge project is going to be a multi-decade process. Susan Caswell, Osceola County Sustainability Director, said Sunbridge is a good fit for their development goals because of its sustainable character. “To have a developer providing that from the start is just a tremendous advantage for the community.”

Read the original story at Fox35.

One of the best things about Sunbridge is that there’s a home for every family. Whether you’re looking to downsize after an empty nest, need room to grow, or just starting your journey, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Sunbridge. 

For first-time homebuyers, Sunbridge is special. With so many homes and plans to choose from, we’re dedicated to helping you find your perfect place to suit your lifestyle and family. Our welcoming community is a great place to plant your roots.

The flip side: The idea of owning and maintaining an entire property can be overwhelming and stressful. To ease your mind, we’ve outlined these tips to feel more prepared for the process and make those first years in your first home first-rate. 

1. Get to know your neighbors: Getting to know your neighbors is an excellent way to build a sense of community and feel more connected to the place where you live. They may be able to tell you about Sunbridge’s community events, as well as recommend restaurants and other local stores. Chatting up your neighbors can also enhance security in the area: when you know and trust the people who live around you, you’re more likely to look out for each other and keep an eye on each other’s property.

2. Make room in your monthly budget for home repairs: While you might not use it every month, it’s a good idea to set aside some money monthly for home repairs. Buying a new home in Sunbridge generally means a warranty that will take care of many issues, but eventually those fixes will be up to you. With a cushion of savings specifically for home maintenance and repairs, those costly expenses won’t feel so daunting.

3. Learn the lingo of your homeowner’s insurance policy: Find a cozy chair and get comfortable with the homeowner’s insurance plan you pay into each month. Now that the dust has settled on your closing and you can look at the policy with fresh eyes, review each paragraph and jot down any questions you might have for your agent. 

4. Dig in to your landscaping plan: Each home in Sunbridge is made for enjoyment of the outdoors. Now that you’re officially moved in, having a plan for what your landscaping will look like in each season is a good idea. You should get to know what plants are in your yard and how to care for them properly to keep them – and your home – looking their best. Click here to learn more about the Native Landscaping efforts in Sunbridge.
   1. If you live in the Weslyn Park neighborhood and have a love for gardening, you might want to get reserve a plot in the community garden! This can be a great way to tend plants that might not be a fit for your home’s landscaping in a dedicated space. Click here for more information.

5. Maximize your home’s efficiency by following a home maintenance schedule: While your new home in Sunbridge is designed to be both efficient and environmentally friendly, you’ll still need to keep up with annual, quarterly and monthly maintenance to keep it functioning at its peak. A home checklist can help you stay organized with tasks you’ll need to complete and when, like changing HVAC filters, making appliance repairs, flushing tub and sink drains, inspecting electrical connections and testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. By keeping up with these tasks, you’ll ensure your home stays as efficient and eco-friendly as it was designed to be.

Your home is a special place where you’ll make long-lasting memories with family, friends, and neighbors. Armed with these tips, you’ll be prepared as you begin your homeownership journey to enjoy both your home and community for years to come. 

Native landscaping is a growing trend in the world of housing development and homeownership, and for good reason. With a focus on using locally sourced and indigenous plants, this approach offers numerous benefits to both the environment and the community. From its inception, Sunbridge was an early adopter and thought-leader of this philosophy, dedicating its public spaces to utilizing native plants and trees as often as possible and setting the standard for homeowners to do the same through education and modeling. 

As stewards of Florida’s natural lands, Sunbridge is committed to benefitting our community and our planet through sustainable and environmentally conscious landscaping. The use of predominantly native plants preserves the beauty of biodiversity, is low-maintenance, yields high-impact results, and enhances our sense of place within Florida’s larger ecosystem.

Native Landscaping: Good for the Birds, the Bees and Everyone In Between

Because native plants and trees are indigenous to the area where they’re planted, they’ve evolved and adapted to the local climate and growing conditions. Here in Florida, that means hot, humid summers and temperate, dry winters. The benefits of using these plants extend widely, as they are already an integral part of the local ecosystem.

• Lower maintenance costs: Native plants are well adapted to local climates and soil conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering, fertilizing, and other maintenance practices.
• Increased biodiversity: Using native plants supports the natural ecosystem, attracting and nourishing native wildlife, such as birds, bees and butterflies.
• Improved water conservation: Through their adaptation to local climate, these plants and trees require less water, making them an ideal choice for water-scarce regions or seasons, like Central Florida’s mostly-dry winter and spring.
• Reduced pesticide use: Evolving natural defenses against local pests gives these plants a reduced need for pesticides and other chemical treatments.
• Extreme weather resistance: In regions where certain extreme weather events occur, including hurricanes and heat waves, these plants have evolved greater resistance to these conditions.
• Erosion control: Native plants also prevent soil erosion and restore soil health through their natural living processes.

Sunbridge Residents See First-Hand Benefits of Native Landscaping

Sunbridge’s guiding priority is simple: to honor our land’s heritage and preserve it as a refuge for fauna, flora, and all those who feel as passionate about it as we do. For this reason, we take that responsibility seriously in building a sustainable and ecologically conscious community. Native landscaping is one way we keep our promise to the land. We are also firm believers in the tangible benefits this commitment yields.

Water management is one major challenge for developers, which requires thoughtful solutions that preserve the precious resource. Native plants do just that, requiring less water to thrive in their locations, and adaptation to our sandy soil conditions. In this way, Sunbridge is able to enrich the ecosystem, without drawing additional water resources to support it: a win-win. 

Using local plants also grants an area a sense of place, meaning that the plants and trees used to landscape an area can make the area feel more authentic and connected to its environment. In Sunbridge, that’s one of the major reasons we choose to use native plants wherever possible — we want our residents to feel at home, and that home is Central Florida. There’s nowhere like Sunbridge, and there’s no place like Central Florida. 

On top of these benefits, as the housing market turns to more sustainable living options and enhancements, home owners will see added value to their property thanks to Sunbridge’s dedication to using predominantly native plants and trees.

In Sunbridge, Native Landscaping Is the Standard

Beyond all the benefits, Sunbridge is committed to being a good steward of our land and highlighting the beauty of Central Florida’s natural landscape. We’ve developed resources for residents and community members to carry out these standards and improve their properties through their use. 

While the trend grows in development projects, Sunbridge is proud to be a leader in these efforts to make our community both more sustainable and more beautiful.