April is Earth Month in Seminole County
Seminole County is Florida’s Natural Choice, defined by winding rivers, crystal-clear springs, and vibrant forests. From the St. Johns to the Econlockhatchee Rivers, the County’s waters and natural resources are all connected, shaping the environment and sustaining diverse wildlife and ecosystems.
Earth Month is a time to celebrate and protect these invaluable natural resources by taking action, whether by practicing conservation-minded habits, volunteering at an event, or simply exploring the beauty of our local wilderness areas. Join in this April and help make an impact in Seminole County. Your efforts can ensure our waters and wild spaces continue to thrive for generations to come.
Calendar of Events
- Farm to Fork Webinar: Growing Edible Natives in Your Garden, 12–1 p.m., Register Here
- Reclaiming Water Webinar, 10–11 a.m., Register Here
- Farm to Fork Hands-On Class: Growing Edible Natives in Your Garden, 12–1 p.m., 250 County Home Rd, Sanford, Register Here
- First Fridays with Florida First Detectors: Invasive Wood Boring Insects, 12–1 p.m., Webinar, Register Here
- Spring Foraging Hike, Geneva Wilderness Area, 8:30–10:30 a.m., 3485 N. County Road 426, Geneva, Register Here
- Twin Lake Restoration Volunteer Event, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 127 Eastern Fork, Longwood, Register Here
- Owl Prowl Hike, 7–9 p.m., Lake Proctor Wilderness Area, 920 FL-46, Geneva, Register Here
- Rain Barrels for Your Florida-Friendly Landscape Webinar, 2–3 p.m., Register Here
- Knowledge on Tap: Man’s Other Best Friend — Honey Bees, 7–9 p.m., WopsHops Brewing Company, 419 S Sanford Ave, Sanford, Free - Learn More
- Trees & Pollinators for a Beautiful Florida-Friendly Landscape Webinar, 2–3 p.m., Register Here
- April Eco Paddle on the Wekiva River, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Dr, Longwood, Register Here
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program: H2O SAV, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Virtual Homeowner Webinar Series, Register Here
- Citizen’s Academy: Environmental Services and Utilities, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Central Transfer Station, 1950 FL-419, Longwood, Register Here
- Growing Wild with Natural Lands, Choose from Two Sessions (2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.), West Branch Library, 45 N Hunt Club Blvd, Longwood
- Earth Day Sunset Hike, 7–8:30 p.m., Lake Harney Wilderness Area, 2187 Osceola Fish Camp Rd, Geneva, Free — No Registration Required!
- SPECIAL Library Explorers (Earth Day), 3:30–4:15 p.m. at North Branch Library, 150 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, More Info
- Happy 112th Birthday, Seminole County! Seminole County was officially separated from Orange County and established by the state on April 25, 1913.
- Final Fridays from the Garden: Turf Selection and Care, 12–1 p.m., Free Webinar, Register Here
- St. Johns River Cleanup, 9–11 a.m., various locations, More Info
- Nature Center Open House — Earth Day Celebration, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Ed and Imogene Yarborough Nature Center, 3485 N. County Road 426, Geneva, Free — No Registration Required!
- Casselberry Earth Fest, 10 a.m.–3 p.m, Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Dr, Casselberry, More Info
- Nocturnal Reptile Ramble, 7–9 p.m., Black Bear Wilderness Area, 5298 Michigan Ave, Sanford, Register Here
- SPECIAL Library Explorers (Earth Day), 3:30–4:15 p.m. at Central Branch Library, 215 N. Oxford Rd., Casselberry, More Info
How to Celebrate Earth Month
Conserve Water
April is officially Water Conservation Month in Seminole County and the State of Florida. Typically a dry month when water demands are high, residents are encouraged to practice water-saving measures at home and work. Here’s how:
- Know Your Watering Days. Everyone in Seminole County should follow mandatory watering restrictions, regardless of whether your water comes from a private well or public utility. Water twice per week from now until November — learn more at seminolecountyfl.gov/conserve.
- Check Your Irrigation System. Get your irrigation system ready for summer and check for leaks and a working rain sensor. If you’re an unincorporated Seminole County water utility customer, sign up for a free annual Irrigation Evaluation.
- Volunteer. The Seminole Education, Restoration & Volunteer (SERV) Program is always accepting volunteers to help protect the waterways and natural areas of Seminole County. Find an opportunity at seminolecountyfl.gov/serv.
- Participate in an Irrigation Smart Controller Rebate Program. Seminole County residents who purchase a brand-new, standalone EPA WaterSense-labeled controller are eligible to receive a rebate that covers 100% of the cost of the controller, up to $200. Plug-ins or add-on units, as well as homes usg water from a well, lake, pond, etc., for irrigation, are not eligible for rebate consideration. Learn More.
- Learn More. All water resources are interconnected. Seminole County has created a Holistic Water Policy to shape the future of water conservation in Florida’s Natural Choice.
Make Recycling the Natural Choice
When Seminole County residents recycle, they help protect the Earth’s natural resources, conserve energy, and extend the lifespan of our landfill. Items such as furniture, tile, pencils, shoes, clothing, and more can be created with recycled materials, using less energy than it would take to produce them from raw materials.
To ensure a smooth process and avoid contaminating the waste stream, make sure you place the correct items in your curbside recycling bin. Too many incorrect items can send the batch to the landfill instead of being processed for recycling. Here’s how to do your part this Earth Month:
- Understanding What to Recycle. Review the Seminole County Recycling webpage for current recycling guidelines. Did you know that recyclables should not be put in plastic bags?
- Test Your Knowledge. Test your knowledge and debunk recycling myths by enjoying recycling trivia.
- Reduce Waste. Seminole County challenges residents to opt for more eco-friendly choices such as using digital cards and invites, composting organic waste, and using reusable items such as tote bags and food storage containers. Take advantage of secondhand shops including the Reuse Shop located inside the Household Hazardous Waste tunnel, or borrow books from a Seminole County Library instead of purchasing them.
- Get Involved. Schedule community outreach at your school or business to learn more about recycling or how your business can develop greener initiatives by contacting the Seminole County Solid Waste Recycling Program Coordinator, Adeemir Dacenay, at adacenay@seminolecountyfl.gov.
Test Your Recycling Knowledge
Enjoy Parks, Trails, and Natural Lands
Seminole County maintains more than 7,600 acres of parks and natural lands and more than 138 miles of both paved and wilderness trails. This Earth Month, get outside and discover parks, trails, and natural lands, right in your own backyard.
- Try Something New. Register for a Guided Hike in the above calendar of events or find a park near you at seminolecountyfl.gov/parks.
- Learn at the Library or Extension. Prefer to appreciate Earth from the comfort of the A/C? Find educational events featuring wildlife, history, horticulture, and landscaping from the Seminole County Public Library and UF/IFAS Extension Services.
- Look Toward the Future. Last year, Seminole County launched the Seminole Forever Land Acquisition Program to protect conservation lands by acquiring new properties, all without an additional tax on residents. Learn more about the program and get involved at seminolecountyfl.gov/seminole-forever.