Promoting sustainable landscaping to preserve and protect our natural ecosystems

Transcription

1 T.A.C. December 16, 2016 Promoting sustainable landscaping to preserve and protect our natural ecosystems Rose Béchard-Butman, Natural Resource Specialist Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division

2 We have gone from A soggy confusion of land and water to almost built out!

3 Sustainable Landscaping Why is sustainable landscaping important? Water Conservation Water Quality Protection Ecosystem Integrity Habitat & Wildlife Preservation

4 Promotes sound landscaping and irrigation practices through education and technical support. Partners: Broward County School Board National Wildlife Federation UF/IFAS Trained volunteer network of Master Gardeners and Habitat Stewards

5 Do your residents know what this is?

6 Storm drains connect to our lakes

7 Let Only Rain Down Your Storm Drain!

8 Community Projects.Drain Marker

9 Storm water drains are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Mosquito larvicide treatment in storm drains controls larvae before it enters the lakes and canals

10 What is a NatureScape? NatureScapes are Florida-friendly landscapes that conserve water, reduce pollution and create habitat to attract native and migratory wildlife. (Visit

11 Stewardship and Sustainability Sustainable landscape designs should strive to mimic the complexity and diversity found in native plant communities whenever possible. Upland development can have a cumulative impact on the aquatic vegetation that provides necessary habitat for water-dependent species and natural water filtration.

12 NatureScape recognizes landscapes certified through: Florida Friendly Landscape Certification, or NWF Wildlife Habitat Certification

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14 Community Wildlife Habitat Goals Restore native habitat Reduce pollution that enters waterways Connect children to natural world

15 Broward 1st County Certified as a NWF Community Wildlife Habitat Over 3,983 certified yards as of May 2016 CWH Cities: 11 Certified 7 Registered

16 Broward County Community Coconut Creek Cooper City Coral Springs Davie Deerfield Beach Fort Lauderdale Hallandale Beach Hollywood Lighthouse Point Oakland Park Parkland Pembroke Pines Plantation Pompano Beach Southwest Ranches Sunrise Wilton Manors Lauderhill Wildlife Habitats

17 Resilience, Sustainability, Conservation 1 st National Wildlife Federation Certified School District in the Country

18 What are the Benefits? Improve quality of habitat on public & private lands Promote protection of critical stop-over habitats for migratory birds Engage residents and students in community pride and stewardship

19 Strategies to Obtain Points Outreach Programs Volunteer & Employee trainings Yard Certifications Tree Giveaways School Partnerships Community Projects Have municipal team members become Habitat Stewards

20 NatureScape Broward is now accepting applications for NWF Habitat Steward Training Municipal Employees with a keen interest in the environment and a willingness to volunteer their time and expertise to help their municipality create or restore wildlife habitat are encouraged to apply. January 9th-13th, 2017 Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, Miramar and Wilton Manors have registered employees for this free annual weeklong training in There are currently 5 slots left.

21 Broward Habitat Connectivity Project

22 North American Flyways South Florida is an important stop off point for migrating birds Primarily those for the Eastern Flyway Some overlap with the Mississippi Flyway

23 Keeping Common Birds Common Over one-third of our common landbird species have declined by more than 15% since 1970, with 46 species losing half or more of their populations a net loss of over 1.5 billion breeding birds (Figure 1).

24 To identify, improve and conserve important stop-over habitat for migrating songbirds along the Atlantic migratory flyway in Broward County, focusing on urban areas and other landscapes where there is limited quality habitat.

25 County Urban Tree Canopy Goal 40%

26 Broward Habitat Connectivity Project Major New Wildlife Habitats & Outdoor Learning Areas at schools and parks targeting North Lauderdale, Lauderhill and Lauderdale Lakes Trees given away to be planted at homes throughout the target communities. Certify yards as NWF Certified Wildlife Habitats

27 Bahama Strongbark Bourreria succulenta Small accent or specimen flowering tree to feet Moderate growth rate Full sun to light shade Prefers well-drained soils Drought tolerant Semi-showy white flower all year; ½ wide; aromatic Provides food and cover for wildlife Listed as endangered by the State of Florida Photo: Keith A. Bradley

28 Dahoon Holly Ilex cassine Evergreen tree that reaches 35+ ft. Found in moist to wet treed areas. Used for margins of lakes, ponds and other wetland sites. Zones 7+ Plant Characteristics: Moist/Shade/Sun/Light-Salt Tolerance * Attractive Red Berries * Wetlands * Wildfowl

29 Trees may appeal to more than 1 species Cassius Blue Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Large Orange Sulphur Painted Bunting Wild Tamarind

30 We Are Now Accepting Applications for Emerald Awards! The Emerald Award Program is designed to recognize businesses, government, individuals, or organizations in Broward County demonstrating a commitment to protecting and preserving our environment. The Emerald Award Program recognizes exemplary performance in the following Categories: Pollution Prevention/Hazardous Waste Reduction Recycling Climate Change Leader Green Practices/Innovation NatureScape

31 Photos from Water Matters Day 2016 Emerald Awards Ceremony

32 Hoch Family Village Courtyard at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale Dave Sestrich, Facility Manager at First Presbyterian Church, Gage Couch, Cadence Landscape Architects with Commissioner Furr

33 Hoch Family Village Courtyard at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale Asphalt and unorganized parking were transformed into multiple outdoor rooms and gardens. Florida native plantings were incorporated into the existing tree hammock. Natural and manmade design elements provide a beautiful outdoor setting where intimate gatherings and church events are enjoyed.

34 Maggie and Jim Dunn Fort Lauderdale This residential landscape is a beautiful wildlife habitat. The homeowners selected a diverse native plant pallet for their newly constructed home. Birds abound and a mating pair of grey fox are frequent visitors to this urban oasis.

35 City of Sunrise Oak Hammock and Cypress Preserve Parks Cypress Preserve Park 9020 NW 38 Street Amenities include 600 new trees and palms, the Salt Marsh Spray Ground, a nine hole disc golf course, three picnic pavilions with natural gas grills, and a walking/biking path with fitness stations. Oak Hammock Park 9220 NW 44 Street Amenities include 850 new trees, a playground, a chess patio, three pavilions, a walking/biking path, and an environmental education boardwalk surrounding upland hammock area and wetland habitat.

36 City of Coral Springs Fire Station 71 Fire Station 71site design challenges were addressed by designing an onsite retention area planted with a diverse native palette. A high tech efficient irrigation system saves valuable water resources.

37 The Veterans Garden Project at the William Bill Kling VA Clinic Veterans, clinic staff, master gardeners and volunteers with Commissioner Furr

38 Join us for Water Matters Day March 11, 2017 Tree Tops Park, Davie

39 Remember! Only Rain Down the Storm Drain!

40 Question & Answer Session