Search Content

NATIVE plants are accustomed to growing in Florida without help from people. How do we “help” a big green lawn? We water it, mow it and use chemicals to feed it. We might use more chemicals to kill bugs and leafy plants as well. Using all that water and all those chemicals is bad for your watershed. You can reduce the need for water, FERTILIZER, … Read more

With all the people that live in Florida now, there’s less space for wild animals and plants. Your yard might be part of the problem — but it could also be helping out. A Florida-friendly yard is better than a grassy lawn because it provides food and shelter for wildlife like birds and butterflies. Some people like butterflies so much they design gardens just for them. They plant certain flowers that butterflies like, and others that the caterpillars prefer to munch on.… Read more

Bugs really bug some people, so they use nasty chemicals to kill them. Florida-friendly yards use IPM — integrated pest management. That means nasty chemicals are a last resort. What’s IPM? Healthy, native plants are already resistant to pests and don’t need chemicals. If problems do arise, use spot-treatment, rather than covering your whole yard with a pesticide. Remember, too much water or fertilizer can encourage pests. Mowing your lawn too short will weaken… Read more

Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is one of five regional agencies directed by state law to protect and preserve water resources within its boundaries. Established in 1961 to operate and maintain several large flood protection projects, the District’s responsibilities have expanded to include managing water supply and protecting water quality and the natural systems — rivers, lakes, wetlands and associated uplands.Origin and EvolutionThe Southwest… Read more

Spend a day with your family and friends in the great outdoors. Many District properties offer picnic facilities. Check the individual property for specific information about picnicking on that tract and the level of amenities provided. In addition, the District has three spacious and modern pavilions available for your next large group picnic. Make a reservation below:   While enjoying the picnic facilities, please follow all rules outlined in the… Read more

Your Questions Answered January 2021 The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is celebrating 60 years of protecting the region’s water resources. The District was established in 1961 as a flood protection agency. Since then, its responsibilities have grown to include managing the water supply, protecting water quality and preserving natural systems that serve important water-related functions. Executive Director Brian Armstrong… Read more

The districts administer flood protection programs and perform technical investigations into water resources. They also develop water management plans for water shortages in times of drought, and acquire and manage lands for water management purposes. Delegated regulatory programs include management of the consumptive use of water, aquifer recharge, well construction and surface water management.   Read more

From left: Andrea Roshaven, Tampa Water Department; Maritza Rovira-Forino, Governing Board member; Paul Rauch, Wildrose Lawncare Inc. co-owner; Pam Iorio, Tampa mayor; Christine Collins, Wildrose Lawncare Inc. co-owner; Hugh Gramling, Governing Board member; and April Genter, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. The wind and rain didn’t deter enthusiastic gardeners from attending the third annual Florida Yard Fandango in March. This year the gardening event… Read more

 

Your Questions Answered September 2020 Homeowners in Florida know the scorching heat can wreak havoc on lawns and landscapes, which can increase your yard irrigation and your water bill. That’s why Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is gaining in popularity. The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Senior Communications Coordinator Katherine Munson explains what Florida-Friendly Landscaping really means and the benefits it provides.… Read more

These plants are all NATIVE to Florida, so if you put them in the right spot, they probably won’t need fertilizers, chemicals or regular watering to grow. Some have become rare so you’ll be helping them out by planting them. As a bonus, these were chosen because they’re especially valuable to Florida's birds, bees, butterflies and other animals. Planting a few in your yard will help with the natural water cycle — and… Read more

Learn From the Experts Through the Speakers Bureau, professional staff share their knowledge and expertise with a wide variety of audiences. Programs are presented at no charge within the District’s 16-county area. Topics Some of the most frequently requested topics are: “Get Outside!” The District and its partners acquire conservation lands to protect the region’s water… Read more

The Florida Yard Fandango is returning to the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) this spring. The event is being held March 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the second year the District has been involved with the Fandango. The goal of this event is to promote Florida-friendly landscaping and lawn maintenance because it is beautiful and saves water, time and energy. Participants will have the opportunity to choose from 15 workshops, including core classes on the… Read more

 The threatened Florida scrub-jay lives in a “scrub” community with scrub oaks, rosemary shrubs, rusty lyonia shrubs, sand pine trees, saw palmettos and prickly pear cactuses. This species only lives in Florida and does not migrate like other birds. Rather, the Florida scrub-jay typically stays within a four- to six-mile territory throughout its life.The effects of increased development and agriculture have reduced the population of scrub-jays. However, multiple state… Read more

Mulch is loose stuff you spread on top of soil. People sometimes use mulch in their gardens or where grass doesn’t grow well. Florida-friendly yards often use a lot of mulch. Why is mulch so great?

1. Mulch that comes from plants (organic) will provide food for the plants you are growing.
2. Mulch keeps your soil warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
3. Mulch keeps the soil beneath it from drying out — so you don’t need to water as much.
…

Read more

November 2024Q: How can I save water when preparing holiday meals?A: Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them. Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water instead of under running water. This water can then be reused to water houseplants. A running faucet can use approximately 2 gallons of water per minute.Q: What can I do to reduce water… Read more

Program OverviewFlorida-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. The University of Florida’s Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (FYN) Program provides science-based education on how to create a… Read more

 The shy and secretive Florida black bear hides in dense vegetation and is rarely seen in the wild. As the largest native land mammal in Florida, the males can weigh up to 450 pounds. Most Florida black bears are 5–6 feet long and about three feet high at the shoulder.Florida black bears are an important part of Florida’s ecosystems. They are an “umbrella species” because they need diverse habitats over a large geographic area. This means they share living space with a… Read more

TheFriends of the Dunnellon Public Library will receive a $4,550 Community Education Grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District for a Florida-friendly demonstration garden.This demonstration garden and signage at the new public library will be designed by the Marion County Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (FYN) coordinator and maintained by the Friends of the Library organization. The library will offer four FYN workshops to residents and at least two… Read more

The Southwest Florida Water Management District manages controlled burns on its lands. Which are carefully planned burns used to manage forests. These controlled fires reduce wildfire risks by reducing excess vegetation, improving wildlife habitats and promoting new plant growth. The District ensures safety and efficiency in these operations, balancing ecological benefits with public safety. Fire in FloridaFire is one of the dominant forces that shape… Read more