As Central Florida's drought enters its fourth year, two Highlands County agencies are teaming up to help homeowners conserve water while sprinkling their lawns. ...more

March 17, 2009

"Going green" has become a popular catch phrase. But what does it really mean? ...more

February 25, 2009

Earlier this year, the Highlands County Soil and Water Conservation District had no trouble giving out 1,100 free low-flow shower heads to help people conserve water. ...more

October 12, 2008

SEBRING — An enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 people filled the parking lot of the Agri-Civic Center Wednesday for the first-ever Highlands County Conservation Connection community festival. "We will definitely have another event, because it was a good community event," said Corine Burgess, the natural resources specialist for the county's Soil & Water Conservation District. Representatives of 17 county, regional and state environmental agencies not only passed out information and answered questions, but also had displays and handed out dozens of "give-aways." The crowd would have been much larger, many festival goers said, if it was held on a Saturday instead of a week day and if it also was held in the winter instead of during the heat of late June. ...more

June 26, 2008

SEBRING — If you have any question about just about anything related to conservation, farming, natural resources and local outdoor recreation, circle June 25 on your calendar. Environmental agencies from Highlands County and the state will be there with personnel and exhibits for the first-ever Highlands County Conservation Connection Day. Set for 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 25, at the Highlands County Agri-Civic Center, this event is designed for both children and adults. ...more

June 19, 2008

SEBRING – Except when he's sleeping, 5-year-old Justin Burgess rarely stays inside his home. "He loves to be outside, just like me," said his mother, Corine Burgess, the natural resources specialist in the Highlands County Soil & Water Conservation District office. "He's a little nature lover and a tree-hugger, just like his mamma," Burgess said about the boy she and husband, Dan, adopted four years ago when Justin was one year old. They adopted the African-American boy when Corine was 45 and she and Dan were in their 26th year of marriage. High school sweethearts who have been together since their days at Coral Shores High School in the Florida Keys, they both love everything about the ocean. ...more

June 15, 2008