StormSmart Landscaping: Integrating Horticulture and Disaster Preparedness
Extension Education
Susan Haddock
Extension Agent
UF/IFAS
Seffner
Abstract
As extreme weather events increasingly impact coastal regions, Extension plays a vital role in equipping communities with research-based, practical strategies to protect landscapes, natural resources, and built environments. This poster highlights a comprehensive Extension program that educates homeowners, green industry professionals, and community partners on the development and maintenance of storm-smart landscapes. Program content addresses resilient landscape design, proactive storm preparedness, and post-storm damage mitigation. It also emphasizes best management practices for safeguarding landscape equipment, fuels, and chemicals from flooding and water damage while reducing the risk of contamination to nearby water bodies. A multipronged outreach strategy—including in-person and virtual presentations, checklists, social media and blog content, and podcasts—ensures broad accessibility while reinforcing key messages across diverse learning preferences. By integrating horticulture, disaster preparedness, and natural resource stewardship, this Extension program provides a scalable model for public education and workforce development.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Susan Haddock, Michelle Atkinson
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Haddock, S. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Florida, 33584-3334
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Atkinson, M. Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County, Florida, 34221