Plan(t) for the Future

By Justin Alsedek

Location: Downtown Clermont Art Walk

Located in the heart of downtown Clermont, this vibrant mural is more than just art—it’s a call to action and an awakening of our collective purpose. Commissioned by our local farm, Cherrylake, it reminds us that our shared responsibility is to protect and nurture the environment that sustains us.

Plan(t) for the Future celebrates the diverse ecosystems that make Clermont and Lake County special. Every colorful detail tells a story, highlighting native Florida plants, animals, and landscapes that are vital to a thriving ecosystem. It challenges us to embrace the complexity of our environment while appreciating its simple, fundamental needs. Together, let’s not just admire it, but also protect and sustain it for the generations that will follow.

The Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) is a tall, elegant bird known for its distinctive red crown and loud, trumpeting calls. These cranes are often seen in open fields and wetlands, where they play a critical role in controlling insect populations. Their graceful courtship dances and long migratory patterns make them a beloved symbol of Florida’s natural beauty.
The Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is a majestic evergreen tree known for its sprawling limbs and resilience, making it a symbol of strength in Florida’s landscapes. It provides essential habitat for wildlife, offering shade and shelter, while its acorns serve as a vital food source for many animals.
The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a small, vibrant bird with striking blue and rust-colored plumage. These cavity nesters prefer open woodlands and play a significant role in controlling insect populations. Their preference for native fruiting plants also aids in seed dispersal, making them key contributors to Florida’s ecosystems.
The Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a striking bird with glossy black feathers and vivid red and yellow shoulder patches. Commonly found in marshes and wetlands, this bird plays an important role in pest control by feeding on insects. Its presence is a strong indicator of healthy wetland ecosystems.
Bumblebees (genus Bombus) are essential pollinators in Florida, known for their fuzzy bodies and ability to pollinate a wide range of plants. They play a crucial role in both natural ecosystems and agriculture by ensuring the reproduction of flowering plants. Protecting bumblebee populations is vital for maintaining biodiversity and food security.
The Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) is a medium-sized bird of prey with distinctive reddish-brown shoulders and a loud, piercing call. These hawks are commonly found in woodlands and near wetlands, where they help control rodent and small animal populations. Their presence is indicative of a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is one of Florida’s most recognizable and cherished songbirds, with its bright red plumage and melodic whistles. Cardinals are vital seed dispersers, contributing to the health and regeneration of native plant communities. Their year-round presence in gardens and forests makes them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) is a bright, yellow-flowered wildflower that is a favorite among pollinators in Florida and designated as the state’s official wildflower. This hardy perennial is not only beautiful but also plays a crucial role in supporting bees, butterflies, and other insects. Its ability to thrive in poor soils and dry conditions makes it an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping.
The Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a towering, deciduous conifer often found in Florida’s wetlands and swamps. Its unique, buttressed trunk and "knees" rising from the water make it an iconic species. Bald Cypress trees play a vital role in water purification and flood control, and their dense root systems provide a haven for aquatic wildlife.
The Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto), also known as the Cabbage Palm, is Florida’s state tree and a symbol of the state's natural beauty. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from coastal dunes to wet hammocks, and is incredibly resilient to hurricanes. The Sabal Palm supports numerous species, including birds, insects, and small mammals, making it a cornerstone of Florida's ecosystems.
The Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio spp.) is one of Florida’s most vibrant pollinators, distinguished by its large, colorful wings and distinct tail-like extensions. As a key pollinator, it helps sustain native plants and gardens by transferring pollen between flowers. Swallowtail larvae feed on a variety of host plants, including citrus and native herbs, making them an essential part of Florida’s diverse ecosystems.
Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa), also known as Powderpuff, is a low-growing groundcover with pink, fluffy flowers and sensitive leaves that close when touched. This native plant is excellent for erosion control and provides nectar for bees and butterflies. Its rapid growth and adaptability make it a valuable alternative to turfgrass, promoting soil health and biodiversity.

The mural’s design is split into two powerful themes:

The left panel symbolizes looking ahead—planting the seeds of tomorrow with thoughtful stewardship. It encourages us to make sustainable choices today to ensure a flourishing future for generations to come.

The right panel represents being rooted in the present, urging us to appreciate the wonders of our surroundings, from tiny pollinators on native plants to the majestic Bald Cypress, which can live for over a thousand years.

As you explore the mural, let your gaze travel from the majestic cranes and towering pines to the bees busily pollinating flowers—each element is a testament to the wonders of our natural world and our commitment to sustainable growth.

Meet the artist: Justin Alsedek

Justin Alsedek is an accomplished artist known for capturing the natural world in his work. Raised in a home where creativity and music were always encouraged, Justin’s passion for art led him to graduate from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. His early years as an artist included drawing portraits in Key West and traveling widely, both across the U.S. and internationally, drawing inspiration from exotic landscapes and diverse environments. After eight years of travel, Justin settled in Ocala with his wife and two sons, where his art career blossomed further. Today, he is recognized for his vivid depictions of Florida’s wildlife, showcased through notable collaborations with the Florida Wildlife Corridor project and acclaimed public artworks like the downtown Brooksville mural.

Creating beautiful, functional, sustainable landscapes

Cherrylake is a cornerstone of the community and a driving force in sustainable landscaping. As a second-generation, family-owned company with over 40 years of farming experience in Florida, Cherrylake has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to agriculture and the local community. Originally a citrus grove, the Sallin family faced the devastating freezes of the 1980s—a challenge that led them to adapt, turning frozen groves into the rolling 1,100 acres of ornamental trees, palms, and shrubs while continuing to farm citrus across Florida.

What truly defines Cherrylake, however, is its dedication to creating meaningful landscapes that connect people with nature. More than just beautiful, these spaces enrich lives, foster biodiversity, and protect Florida’s natural resources. Guided by the belief that we borrow the land from future generations, Cherrylake pioneers sustainable landscaping and regenerative agriculture, blending innovation with responsibility.

Beyond plants, their purpose is to inspire belonging, pride, and stewardship. Through initiatives like this mural, Cherrylake sparks conversations, nurtures a love for nature, and reminds us of the importance of preserving the environment for the future.

Get Involved: Be a Steward of Florida’s Natural Beauty

Every intentional choice you make contributes to a healthier, more sustainable Florida. Here are some ways you can get involved:

A collective initiative uniting government entities, developers, landscape contractors, landscape architects, and local residents to reshape Florida's landscapes. Focused on water conservation, land preservation, and biodiversity, OUTSIDE Collab drives innovative practices. Join their next event to make an impact.

 Plant Florida natives in your garden! Cherrylake Curbside offers a self-service platform with a wide variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs. Order online, choose the 'Florida Native' filter, and pick up your order at our Groveland farm. It's an easy step toward boosting biodiversity at home.

This Cherrylake initiative has donated over 20,000 bald cypress trees to conservation areas across the Southeastern U.S., supporting cleaner air, habitats, and carbon absorption. If you have a local project that could benefit from these trees, you can apply online here.

Dedicated to conserving 18 million acres of connected lands and waters, this foundation ensures wildlife movement and ecosystem health across Florida. Get involved to protect Florida’s natural resources and biodiversity.