ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPING IN FLORIDA: ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EDUCATION
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Brooke Moffis
Commercial Horticulture Agent III
UF/IFAS Extension Lake County
Tavares
Abstract
Residential landscapes can lead to habitat loss and reduce both water supply and quality. While many Floridians recognize these issues, landscape aesthetics often take priority. In 2022 and 2023, UF/IFAS Extension Lake County partnered with the University of Central Florida, the UF/IFAS Program for Resource Efficient Communities, the Nature Conservancy, and various green industry partners and developers. Together, we created a living laboratory to research biodiverse and water-efficient landscaping methods. We also created an educational team to disseminate our research-based findings. Our educational objectives were to increase the knowledge of green industry and built-environment professionals on the residential development process. We also aimed to increase the knowledge and adoption of sustainable landscaping practices. The statewide annual Outside Collaborative Conference offered an opportunity to educate at two large industry events. We delivered 90-minute presentations and guided participants through the living laboratory research site. We surveyed live and online attendees using a Likert scale through Qualtrics. In 2024, we taught abbreviated presentations to the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and the Florida Local Environmental Regulatory Agencies (FLERA). However, attendees at the FAC and FLERA events were not surveyed due to time limits. Of the 380 attendees, 119 participants completed the survey, which was delivered two- and six-weeks post-event. Ninety-eight percent of respondents self-reported that they gained knowledge about sustainable landscaping practices and land development processes. Ninety-nine percent reported that they were encouraged to support sustainable landscape initiatives. Additionally, over 30% of the 85 respondents planned to adopt practices like using compost amendments, selecting and installing native plants, and/or reducing irrigation use. After the conferences, one developer of a 33,000-home master-planned community decided to use the methods we taught for their next phase of development. A developer in Nassau County is also considering similar practices. Furthermore, municipalities in Lake County are working to incorporate the recommended practices into landscape codes. These alternative landscapes could significantly reduce irrigation and fertilizer use, enhance biodiversity, and lower CO2 emissions.
Authors: Brooke Moffis, Pierce Jones, Jennison Kipp, Patrick Bohlen, Basil Iannone, Nick Taylor
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Brooke Moffis Commercial Horticulture Agent III, UF/IFAS Extension Lake County, Florida, 32778
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Pierce Jones Program Director, UF/IFAS Program for Resource Efficient Communities, Florida, 32609
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Jennison Kipp State Coordinator Sustainable Floridians Program, UF/IFAS Program for Resource Efficient Communities, Florida, 32609
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Patrick Bohlen Arboretum Director, University of Madison-Wisconsin, Wisconsin, 53711
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Basil Iannone Associate Professor/Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS School of Forestry, Fisheries, and Geomatics, Florida, 32610
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Nick Taylor State Specialized Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Program for Resource Efficient Communities, Florida, 32610