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Empowering Professionals: Innovation and Education for Water Efficient and Biodiverse Landscaping Practices in Florida

Search for Excellence in Environmental Quality, Forestry and Natural Resources

Brooke Moffis
Commercial Horticulture Agent III
UF/IFAS Extension Lake County
Tavares

Team Members: Moffis, B*1, Iannone, B2, Bohlen, P3, Jones, P4, Kipp, J5, Levey, R6, Sallin, T7
  1. Commercial Horticulture Agent III, UF/IFAS Extension Lake County, TAVARES, Florida, 32778
  2. Associate Professor and State Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS School of Forestry. Fisheries, and Geomatics, GAINESVILLE, Florida, 32610
  3. Arboretum Director, University of Madison-Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711
  4. Program Director, UF/IFAS Program for Resource Efficient Communities, Gainesville, Florida, 32609
  5. Resource Economist, UF/IFAS Program for Resource Efficient Communities, Gainesville, Florida, 32609
  6. Managing Director, Levey Consulting, Orlando, Florida, 32856
  7. Co-CEO, IMG Enterprises, Groveland, Florida, 34736

Abstract

This project addresses the ecological impact of residential landscapes in Florida, highlighting issues such as habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and water resource stress due to various landscaping practices. In response to a developer’s request for assistance in reducing water use and protecting local water bodies, the University of Florida/Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension partnered in a collaborative effort with built environment professionals, green industry professionals, and academics. This team conducted a comprehensive research project within a Living Laboratory that tested the effects of compost amendments on urban soils and pollinators. The findings revealed that compost-treated soils maintained higher plant visual quality and increased the number of flowers and pollinators. Irrigating as needed versus weekly reduced water use by 79%, with no negative impact on plant quality. To disseminate these insights, UF/IFAS Extension engaged with industry professionals through educational sessions and tours at the annual Outside Collaborative Conference and other events for decision-makers such as the Florida Association of Counties Policy Conference. Presentations highlighted sustainable development practices, including soil health improvement, wildlife conservation techniques, and the use of native plants. Survey results indicated that 98% of surveyed attendees increased their knowledge regarding land development and sustainable landscaping, with over 30% of surveyed attendees indicating intention to adopt compost amendments, select and install native plants, and reduce irrigation use. A master-planned community of 33,000 to 37,000 homes adopted compost amendments, native plants, and irrigation techniques for their next phase of development. This initiative further aims to foster dialogue between UF/IFAS Extension, industry stakeholders, and municipalities, ultimately encouraging the implementation of resource-efficient and biodiverse landscaping in master-planned communities across Florida.

Entry