Florida faces significant environmental challenges due to population growth and the widespread use of fertilizers and pesticides. Key concerns include water contamination from lawn and landscape chemicals, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Home landscapes offer a valuable opportunity to implement sustainable practices that conserve water, reduce chemical inputs, recycle yard waste, prevent erosion, and support local wildlife. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension provides residents with research-based recommendations to promote sustainable landscaping. In 2024, the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County residential horticulture program educated 1,477 residents on these practices. A six-month follow-up survey (n=55) revealed that participants adopted various sustainable strategies: 78% replaced high-maintenance plants with low-maintenance alternatives, 86% selected plants suited to site conditions, 51% used rain gauges to monitor rainfall, 66% applied a 2-3" layer of organic mulch, 76% enhanced landscapes with plants or water sources to attract wildlife, 88% opted for less toxic pesticides, 49% started composting, and 50% maintained a 10-foot no-treatment zone near water bodies. These changes contribute to reducing stormwater runoff and nutrient leaching, leading to cleaner water bodies and improved environmental health. The success of these educational programs highlights the impact of extension efforts in fostering sustainable landscapes and protecting Florida’s natural resources.
