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In a 450-acre development east of Sebring, called The Villages of Highlands
Ridge, John Juve has protected more than 100 acres of native habitat. He did it
because he wanted to. Not because he had to. Even when John was in the office-park
business in Tampa, he was into saving trees. Now he has had a chance to create a
retirement village that reflects his philosophy of working in harmony with nature.
"To me," he says, "giving the feeling that you are in a nature preserve adds value.
Plus I feel good about what I've done. I've got a reputation around here. If anyone
is going to cut down a tree, they've got to check with me first." His philosophy was
shaped by childhood camping, canoeing, and hiking trips. He grew up in Akron, Ohio
surrounded by woods.
He admits that he slowly gained an appreciation for Florida scrub. It started when
he and his wife wanted to plant wildflowers. They joined the local chapter of the
Florida Native Plant Society, met with the owners of a native plant nursery and consulted
with staff from Archbold, a biological research station located in Lake Placid.
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In an area that was covered with an invasive exotic, torpedo grass, John and some
of the residents set out to create a garden showcasing scrub plants. After removing
bushels of torpedo grass, the area now shelters endangered plants like scrub beargrass
and short-leaved rosemary. In fact, the development won an award from the Florida Native
Plant Society. To help educate visitors and residents, John erected an educational sign
about scrub.
"Yes, it can be less expensive up front to bulldoze a site, but in the long run I think
leaving native habitat adds considerable value. The success of this community is what will
convince other developers to leave native habitat."
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