Conserve Water, Protect Springs - Florida Friendly Landscaping

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 to correct the current high nitrate issues. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM program was introduced into the area to help residents learn about sustainable 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 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 a brochure that made the connection between the new water conservation rules, landscape inputs and area springs. Brochures 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. Additionally, Master Gardeners distributed brochures at area events, festivals, plant clinics and workshops. 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 increased by 17%. Participation increases were determined by recording the number of participants before and after the brochure was distributed.

The 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.

Brochures are another tool to raise awareness of current issues and for marketing programs. By giving practical yard actions, consumers could immediately implement some stewardship practices. There were an increased number of people inquiring about the new water rules and Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM program after the brochure was developed. Any program area could develop a professional promotion piece to enhance their program efforts.

Files

Conserve Water, Protect Springs

An eight and a half by eleven colored four fould brochure emphasizing the Suwannee River water Mangement district's new water rules and the nine principles of the University of Florida's Florida Friendly Landscaping TM program.

Photo of nominee- Carolyn Saft

Required photo submission of nominee- Carolyn Saft

Presentation Series by Master Gardeners

A colored trifold brochure announcing programs and presentations for 2010.