The Southwest Florida Water Management District recognized two leaders in landscape education for their efforts to teach residents and landscape professionals about the connection between their landscape and protection of the water resources. The awards were presented Wednesday at the “Partners in Watershed Education Conference” at the Crowne Plaza Tampa East Hotel.
- Dr. Terril Nell, director of the University of Florida’s Center for Landscape Ecology, was recognized for promoting Florida-friendly landscaping throughout the state. The University of Florida has been a partner in providing education on Florida-friendly landscaping to residents of the District for several years. As success grew within this District, a goal was set for promoting Florida-friendly landscaping statewide. This program has succeeded in forming new partnerships, increasing awareness and contributing to statewide consistency of landscaping best management practices.
- Merry Mott, director of Industry Certifications for the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), was recognized for her contribution to educating landscape professionals about Florida-friendly landscaping practices. The District and its partners in the Landscape Education Coordination Initiative identified the need to include Florida-friendly landscaping principles in professional landscape maintenance training. To fill that need, the FNGLA created a certification program for landscape maintenance workers. This certification program provides written and hands-on education on landscaping best management practices.
The District also recognized several projects that focus on water resources education.