Florida Friendly Landscaping in North FLorida

Outreach educational efforts were targeted at residents and business owners who maintain or contract services for any type of landscape maintenance.

The economy of rural North Florida depends on water quality and availability for ecotourism and farming. North Florida is known as the “Springs’ Heartland” worldwide which brings many visitors to our area. The Suwannee River and its associated springs are designated as federally impaired water bodies and are mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to reduce nitrate loading in the Suwannee River. Currently, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM program was introduced into the area to help residents learn about sustainable landscape and garden actions in an effort to reduce nitrate loading and pesticide use. No other agency has addressed water conservation, stormwater runoff and wildlife habitat protection in North Florida to homeowners and businesses overseeing landscape maintenance. Marketing and raising awareness of the new Florida Friendly Landscaping ^TM program and the new Master Gardener program to the North Florida communities were critical components of the Agent’s overall program efforts.

The objectives were to outline the Suwannee River Water Management District’s new water conservation rules, provide sustainable landscape actions for consumers to implement and to raise awareness about springs’ protection in the Suwannee River Basin. Marketing efforts included the development of brochures that made the connection between the new water conservation rules, landscape inputs and area springs. Agent provided the text and some photos for the brochure. Agent also provided input in the design of the brochure. There were 5,000 copies printed professionally at a local print shop. A grant from the Suwannee River Water Management District covered the cost of the printing. Additionally fliers of upcoming workshops or presentations were developed by Agent and support staff on a monthly basis.

Agent selected and created messages for promotional items. Promotional items included rain gauges, water bottles, hose end on/off valves, magnifying lens, hand sanitizer bottles, rain ponchos and zippered change holders. These materials were purchased through a grant. Promotional brochures and fliers were distributed to local nurseries, franchise garden centers, feed stores, public libraries, utility companies, area restaurants, the Suwannee River Water Management District and several County Extension offices. Other promotional pieces were distributed from booths at area events, festivals, plant clinics and workshops. Some of the promotional items were used as a reward to thank people for completing surveys about educational programs and another county wide survey developed by the Agent on internet use for landscaping information.

Displays were developed and set up by Agent and Master Gardeners at the Suwannee County Fair, three libraries and at many events and festivals to promote and educate consumers on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM program. A miniature landscape model was developed to take to fairs, schools and festivals to highlight sound landscape practices. Over 600 youth have been educated using this model. Pre/post tests indicate a 63% knowledge gain.

Another method used to increase awareness of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM program was to design and create floats for the local parades. Since there is not a lot to do in the rural community, many people gather for parade events. An average 150 coupons for a free gift are handed out during the parade. An average of 80 (53%) people per event redeemed their coupon by visiting the educational booth set up at these festivals. This activity markets Extension and the wide range of information available.

Articles were written for the Extension Update column in the local Suwannee Democrat newspaper, the Suwannee County Extension newsletter and the Neighborhood News newsletter for Dowling Park residents. Web pages have been set up for internet users seeking landscaping information, http://suwannee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden.shtml

PowerPoint presentations and demonstrations are created and delivered three times per month at various times and locations to educate consumers. There is an evening series, a weekend series and a daytime series in an effort to reach diverse audiences.

The expectations were to increase participation in the Florida Friendly Landscaping program. Increased in audience size in presentations and workshops by 20%, increased volume of phone calls seeking information by 30% and increased yard evaluation requested by 10% were expected outcomes. Participation increased at area workshops and at the monthly presentation series by 28%. Phone calls were increased by 41% and yard evaluations and stewardship recognitions increased by 17%. Participation increases were determined by recording the number of participants before and after the brochure was distributed. The Agent and Master Gardeners have received many additional requests for outreach education. County Commissioners, the Mayor of Live Oak, store managers, county maintenance personnel, the Parks and Recreation director have all asked for assistance addressing landscaping issues.

A variety of tools were used to market and promote the Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM program. People respond to different methods so it is critical that a variety of materials are developed to increase outreach efforts. By delivering easy to understand and practical yard actions, consumers could immediately implement stewardship practices. Overall, there has been an increased number of people seeking information and participating in the program using a mixed variety of materials and media. Other program areas could implement a similiar strategy to increase awareness and participation.

Files

Marketing and Promotional pieces or activities

Eight photos in a word document of various promotional pieces and marketing activities for Florida friendly Landscaping in North Florida.

Water Conservation and Springs Protection brochure

An 8 1/2 x 11 colored brochure titled Conserve Water Protect Springs- Florida friendly Landscaping

Presentation Flier

A flier to market an upcoming "Water Saving Tips" presentation, 1 of 12 of a monthly series.

Newspaper Article

Newspaper article for the Suwannee Democrat newspaper's Extension Update column.