1. Water Efficiently, Reduce Stormwater Runoff, and Protect the Waterfront by Julio Perez University of Florida, IFAS/Broward County Extension Education Section Parks and Recreation Division julperez@broward.org

2. Water: the world’s life blood – Covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s Surface – 97% of it is saline – Accounts for around 60% of your body weight (1 gal= 8.3 lbs) – It is a limited renewable resource

3. Water: the world’s life blood – *28 billion gallons per day of surface water – *82.6 billion gallons per day of groundwater – Approximately 73 million people are in extreme drought areas – These areas are also places where most of U.S. produce comes from

4. We aren’t in the drought zone – Our water sources depend on rain for replenishment – High pressure from the flow of fresh water keeps saltwater out of the aquifers

5. We aren’t in the drought zone – South and Central Florida uses about 8 billion gal. of water daily – As we drain water from the aquifer the pressure that kept saline waters out lessens and leads to saltwater intrusion – We may not be in a drought zone but we have had water sortages

6. What can we do? – Right Plant Right Place – Water Efficiently – Fertilize Appropriately – Mulch – Attract Wildlife – Manage Yard Pest Responsibly – Recycle yard Waste – Reduce Storm water Runoff – Protect the Water Front

7. Watering Efficiently – Get to know your yard Dry/wet spots Sunny/shaded areas – How do you want to utilize your yard? Butterflies and birds? Play area for kids? Social area? – Plan out your landscaping.

8. Getting to know your yard – Knowing the make up of your yard and how you want to use it will lead to the right plant for the right place – Planting a water loving plant in a dry place or vice versa can lead to high stress and costs. – Grouping plants that are alike will help when managing resources

9. Watering – Know if there are any water restrictions www.sfwmd.gov- South Florida Water Management District www.sfwmd.gov- – Water early in the morning – Let plants tell you when they need water

10. Watering – Hand water when possible – If you need to use irrigation systems Perform regular maintenance Use microirrigation Be mindful of the weather

11. Other Water Saving suggestions – Mulch Plants 2-3 inches Keeps moisture in the soil – Mow correctly 3 inch suggested mowing height Taller grass leads to deeper root systems – Use a rain barrel Use food quality barrel Free water

12. Reduce Stormwater Runoff

13. What is Stormwater Runoff? – When it rains it usually pours – Water will follow the path of least resistance – Much is absorbed into the soil but excess water will flow into canals, wetlands and eventually to the ocean

14. Stormwater Runoff – As water flows into canals it will carry: Natural debris Fertilizers and pesticides And other pollutants

15. How can we reduce Storm Water Runoff – Plant rain gardens near drain spouts Slows the flow of water Use water loving and drought tolerant plants such as mullygrass, native ferns, and mist flower

16. How can we reduce Storm Water Runoff – Use porous surfaces for walkways, sidewalks and driveways Porous surfaces allows more surface area for the absorption of water Absorbed water delivers fertilizers to the roots

17. How can we reduce Storm Water Runoff – Water collection using rain barrels and cisterns Save water for dry season Lower your water bill But make sure you secure it from Mosquitos Make sure it is high enough for your needs

18. Examples of rain Barrels

20. Protecting the Water Front – If you live on a canal or other body of water you should do your part to protect it Shoreline vegetation Establish a maintenance free zone Mow and Fertilize correctly

21. Shoreline vegetation – Shore plants are needed to prevent shore line erosion – You should check with your HOA or city to see if you are able to plant along shoreline – If you can’t, plant a row of plants where you are permitted to slow the flow of water and nutrients

22. Establish a maintenance free zone – Suggested zone is 10 feet from waters edge – Another way to filter fertilizers and pesticides before reaching the water

23. Mow and Fertilize correctly – Make sure that mower is facing way from the water – Follow directions when using fertilizer – Us a broadcast shield that will deflect fertilizer from water

24. We All live near a canal or lake – Mow away from streets – Create compost pile with grass clipping – Don’t over fertilize or over use pesticides

25. Questions

26. Information for the presentation, including some of the pictures, was taken from The Florida “Yards and Neighborhoods Handbook” which can be found online at http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/materials/FYN_Handbook_vS ept09.pdf http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/materials/FYN_Handbook_vS ept09.pdf The other graphics were taken from a Google search for the topic of the slide.

27. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: A collaborative effort

28. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Contact Information NatureScape Broward Program For Yard Certification, See http://www.broward.org/NaturalResources/NatureScape/Pages/HowToGetCertifie d.aspx then contact: naturescape@broward.org http://www.broward.org/NaturalResources/NatureScape/Pages/HowToGetCertifie d.aspxnaturescape@broward.org Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program Florida Master Gardeners of Broward County UF-IFAS/ Broward County Extension Education Parks and Recreation Division (954) 357-5270 mastergardener@broward.org

29. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ A SERVICE OF THE BROWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Broward county programs are open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. Disabled individuals are requested to notify program two days prior to program for auxiliary aids if assistance is required. Disabled parking space and wheelchair ramp are available. ”The Foundation for the Gator Nation, An Equal Opportunity Institution.” This public document was promulgated at a cost of $126 or $1.26 cents per copy to inform the public about Florida-Friendly Landscaping TM, NatureScape, and how to conserve water and reduce nonpoint source pollution.