LET'S COLLAB
WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED?
Stakeholders and influencers who are passionate about building a sustainable future for Florida, believe in the power of collaboration, and want to learn about the latest trends around landscaping, development, place-building, and environmental conservation.
- Developers
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental and Ecological Consultants
- Home Builders
- Industry & Professional Associations
- Landscape Architects
- Landscape Companies
- Local & State Government
- Nursery Growers
- Planners
- Researchers
- Students
- Water Management Districts
WORK GROUPS
We call it a Collaborative because the purpose and the work is shared by all of us who care to see this change happen now. One way you can contribute is to volunteer on one of the OUTSIDE Collaborative Work Groups. These are small groups of 8-12 members who will share their time and expertise to work on specific projects and initiatives. Click here to explore available work groups.
LET'S CONNECT
Sign up for our mailing list and be in the know about upcoming events.
EVENTS
UPCOMING
OUTSIDE Collab 2025
Date: Spring 2025
Location: TBA
Transitioning from an annual to a bi-annual event, our aim is to utilize the intervening time to foster connections, collaboration, and implement actionable changes. We are currently in the midst of organizing our 2025 event, including scheduling, selecting topics, arranging tours, and securing keynote speakers. To stay informed about our latest updates, please subscribe to our email list found in the website's footer.
PAST
OUTSIDE Collab 2023
Date: October 12-13, 2023
Location: Sunbridge - Lake Nona, FL
Keynote speaker Dan Egan shared his insights, encouraging attendees to engage and collaborate on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable landscapes in the state. We explored a year of growth and the journey through sustainable practices at Sunbridge, discussing the practical application and impact of these landscapes on urban development.
OUTSIDE Collab 2022
Date: October 13-14, 2022
Location: Sunbridge - Lake Nona, FL
The conference focused on sustainable practices in master-planned developments, drawing on insights from a diverse array of experts like academics, developers, and designers, and included research from Sunbridge's living laboratory plots. It also introduced sustainable landscape maintenance through a new educational video series and unveiled the New Yard Pattern Book. Keynote speaker Thomas Rainer emphasized the importance of blending nature with urban environments to enhance ecological and aesthetic values.
OUTSIDE Collab 2021
Date: October 13-14, 2022
Location: Sunbridge - Lake Nona, FL
Insightful discussions by leading developers on sustainable landscapes in urban development underscored their economic, environmental, and societal benefits. An Implementation Panel saw experts from multiple sectors share project development experiences, from initiation to maintenance, tackling sustainable landscaping challenges. Keynote speaker Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist and author, highlighted the importance of insects in ecosystem diversity. Tours at Cherrylake and Victory Pointe Park showcased successful implementations of sustainable practices.
OUTSIDE Collab Spring Tour Series
Date: Sprint 2021
Location: The Villages, Jacksonville & Clermont, FL
Three tours highlighted sustainable landscapes, starting with The Villages' native plant landscapes, blending expert insights with self-guided tours. A second tour focused on native plant ecology and habitat restoration featuring stops at the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail, and native nurseries. The third tour, at the University of North Florida, showcased the campus's sustainability initiatives and innovative landscape designs. You can learn more about the residential landscapes at The Villages by clicking the link below.
OUTSIDE Collab 2020
Date: October 22, 2020
Location: Virtual
The inaugural event for OUTSIDE Collab focused on advancing sustainable landscapes in Florida, where a strategic framework was developed through discussions on various issues, challenges, and opportunities. The event featured a land development panel exploring sustainable practices in community mix-use developments and a local government panel that discussed political challenges and opportunities. The keynote speaker, Jeff VanderMeer, a Florida local and award-winning novelist known for his environmental themes, shared his insights on conservation and ecology, drawing from his extensive experience and publications.
Native garden library
Get inspired by submissions from the OUTSIDE Collab community featuring native and Florida-friendly landscapes. View the library, or submit your photos and videos.
