Have you noticed something different about our community lately? It’s not just the new murals or the state-of-the-art buildings popping up. There’s a whole natural makeover happening right under our noses, and it’s turning our neighborhood into a buzzing, blooming ecosystem.

Leading the charge in this environmental transformation is Lake Nona’s Director of Landscape Architecture Jeff Thompson and his team. They’re on a mission to energize Lake Nona’s natural ecosystem. By weaving nature into our urban fabric, they’re turning our community into a sanctuary for all sorts of friendly critters, especially those hard-working bees and butterflies.

You’ve probably seen more bees around, right? But don’t worry, these aren’t the kind that’ll crash your picnic. We’re talking about mason bees – nature’s little helpers that are all about the pollination business without being bothersome. Jeff and his team have been planting special flowers around the community just to attract them. 

“Mason bees are terrific pollinators and are key to sustaining our ecosystem by helping plants reproduce. And they’re solitary, unlike honey bees. This makes them much more docile, and they can adapt better to a modern suburban environment like Lake Nona,” said Jeff.

Moreover, these landscaping efforts extend to butterflies, attracting various butterfly species, including Florida’s state butterfly, the Zebra Longwing. This initiative not only beautifies our community but also plays a crucial role in supporting local pollinator populations.

And have you noticed how shady and green our streets are getting? That’s because our tree relocation program has given over 600 trees new homes in Lake Nona, and thanks to their wide canopies, these mature trees provide shade, nesting and sheltering space for birds, mammals and insects.

The effort to energize Lake Nona’s ecosystem isn’t just about the land; our lakes and ponds are getting in on the action, too. The team’s been busy introducing fish that naturally keep the mosquito population down so we can enjoy our evenings outdoors. Meanwhile, the placement of bat and martin houses around the neighborhood also aids in controlling adult mosquito populations, reducing the reliance on pesticides.

Around the water, you might also see some new greenery. Those plants are doing double duty, beautifying common spaces and providing a food source for birds and a home for other animals, like frogs. With the attraction of new birds, our skies are getting more colorful with all sorts of feathered friends like eagles, grackles, cardinals and even rare species like the roseate spoonbill.

These enhancements to our community aren’t just about making Lake Nona look pretty; they’re about creating a place where nature and urban life go hand in hand. So, next time you’re out and about in Lake Nona, take a moment to look around and appreciate all the natural buzz. It’s all part of making our neighborhood a greener, livelier place to call home. And who knows? You might just spot something new. Pick up the latest Lake Nona Magazine to learn more.