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Is there anything you can do to help protect your watershed? Sure there is — and one of the best places to start is in your own yard. Not allowed? Perhaps you and your friends could work on your school’s yard, with permission of course. Small changes in yards can help protect Florida’s environment and keep your local water cycle healthy. Hundreds of people move to Florida every day, which means that a lot of natural habitat is taken over by new housing developments.… Read more

Yards generate yard waste like leaves and grass clippings. Some people think yard waste is just more garbage, but others know it makes valuable mulch and compost. How can you keep your landscaping waste in your yard where it belongs? Make sure the grass clippings stay on your lawn when you mow. They’ll help feed the lawn so you won’t need as much fertilizer. Compost — it’s the best way to feed your yard. Some types of yard waste can be turned into rich, nutritious soil… Read more

 

One of the best places to take on actions that help protect water quality and conserve water resources is in your own yard. If you’re not allowed to or don’t have a yard, check in with your teachers to see if you and your friends can make positive changes right at school! Small changes outdoors can make a big difference in protecting Florida’s environment and keeping your local watershed healthy. The number of people moving to Florida is growing every… Read more

Fertilizing your lawn the right way can make a big difference for Florida’s water quality. When fertilizers are applied incorrectly, they can wash into nearby water bodies, harming ecosystems and diminishing water quality. This guide will help you understand the best practices for fertilizing responsibly, following local regulations and protecting Florida’s unique environment Why Fertilizing Responsibly Matters More than 1,000 new residents move to Florida daily,… Read more

Certifying excellence in water conservation, saving resources and protecting the environmentThe Florida Water Starsm program is a voluntary certification program for new residential and commercial construction and existing home renovation. The program encourages water efficiency in appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes, as well as water quality benefits from best management practices in landscapes. An average Florida Water Star homeowner… Read more

Every day the invasion continues. People are mostly to blame — we import plants from all over the world, planting them here in Florida. It might be because we think they’re useful, or maybe we just think a plant is pretty. Because these plants are new on the scene, Florida’s environment isn’t used to them. Some plants can’t adapt to their new surroundings so they die off. Many new plants grow, but stay right where we put them. But some new plants love it here — they go to… Read more

June 2023Q: Why are the summer months the best time for outdoor water conservation?A: During the summer months of June, July, August and September, Florida typically sees increased rainfall. When it’s raining daily, give your irrigation system a break. Yards need no more than ½ to ¾ inch of water every two to three days. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off your irrigation system, and turn it back on when needed.… Read more

We all play a role in protecting and conserving our water resources, both above and below ground. But we need leaders like YOU to help inspire others and become a water superhero! How can you become a water superhero? Start by incorporating some of the actions in the chart below into your everyday life. It’s also important to educate your friends, family and neighbors to encourage them to do the same! Ways to Conserve Water

• Take short…

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During the summer months of June, July, August and September, yards need no more than ½ to ¾ inch of water every 2 to 3 days. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off your irrigation system, and turn it back on when needed. Follow these tips when you "watch the weather, wait to water":Water only when your yard needs it

• The simplest way to determine if your yard needs water is to look for these visual clues:
  • Grass blades are…

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February 2023 Q: What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™? A: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a set of nine guiding principles which help protect natural resources and preserve Florida’s unique beauty. A Florida-friendly landscape is beautiful yet saves water and protects the environment too. Q: What are the nine guiding principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™? A: The nine guiding principles of Florida-… Read more

April 2024Q: What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™?  A: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a set of nine guiding principles which help protect natural resources and preserve Florida’s unique beauty. A Florida-friendly landscape is beautiful yet saves water and protects the environment too.Q: What are the nine guiding principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™?  A: The nine guiding principles of Florida-Friendly… Read more

Your Questions Answered  February 2021 Nearly one thousand people move to Florida every day. That population growth puts significant demand on the region’s water supply. To help meet these water supply needs, local governments, water managers, builders and developers are working cooperatively through the Florida Water Star℠ (FWS) program. Southwest Florida Water Management District Lead Communications Coordinator Robin Grantham has details about… Read more

In today's environmentally-conscious world, conserving water is not just a choice, it's a responsibility. Your landscape presents many opportunities to contribute to water conservation efforts, while also enhancing the beauty and sustainability of your outdoor space. Here are some effective strategies to reduce water use in your landscape. For more information to better understand your irrigation system, click on the tiles below.

Florida’s coastal ecosystems are among the most diverse in the world. At the heart of these ecosystems is seagrass—a vital underwater plant that supports marine life, improves water quality, protects shorelines and stores carbon.Since 1988, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has mapped seagrass to help guide decisions that protect and sustain our bays, estuaries and coastal waters. But how exactly is seagrass mapped and why is it important? The… Read more

Water 101 for Homeowners Welcome homeowners! The choices you make - from the plants in your yard to what toilet you install - can make a big difference in your overall water use. And, everything we do on land can affect the health of our water resources. It’s important to consider water savings and protection to understand your personal impact. The resources below will help you and your neighbors learn more about all things water!  

People who live next to water are lucky. Waterfront property is usually very expensive because we love to see the ocean, a lake or a river from our houses. Florida has a lot of water, so there are plenty of waterfront yards. Some yards are right next to the ocean, a big lake or a coastal lagoon. Some have canals that connect to the ocean or lakes. Others are along rivers, creeks, natural ponds or wetlands. Some yards include seasonal ponds, and many more are next to… Read more

July 2024Q: What is an aquifer?A: An aquifer is a body of underground rock and/or sediment that stores water. The groundwater within an aquifer can fill the spaces between grains of sand and gravel, or it can fill the cracks and fissures in solid rock.Q: Are there different types of aquifers?A: In west-central Florida the groundwater system is comprised of three main aquifer units; the surficial aquifer, the… Read more

Your Questions Answered June 2019 The rainy season is upon us and it’s a great time to conserve potable water by watering your lawn less. The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Senior Conservation Education Coordinator Katherine Munson explains why homeowners should, “Watch the Weather, Wait to Water.” Q: Why are the summer months the best time for outdoor water conservation? A: During the summer months of June… Read more

When it rains it pours in Florida, and when it pours, the water that runs off your yard might be polluted. How? Oil on your driveway, too much fertilizer on your lawn, even doggie do — they all can pollute rainwater. If those types of pollution are allowed to run off, they can end up causing problems in your watershed. They might also end up sinking down and polluting the ground water. Make Every Raindrop Count! A well-designed, Florida-friendly yard will soak up the… Read more