Spring 2007 - City of Plantation

Oh!Habitat UPDATE
When you look out your windows, what do you want
to see? Concrete? Cars? Wouldn’t you prefer to be
looking out at trees, plants, birds and butterflies?
Joining in the City of Plantation’s quest to become a
National Wildlife Federation community of wildlife
habitats is a great way to create curb appeal for your
home and turn your yard into a beautiful, relaxing
place for both you and wildlife to enjoy – just right
for our unique Florida lifestyle.
The City of Plantation has partnered with the National Wildlife Federation
(NWF) to certify the City as a Community Wildlife Habitat to “create
sustainable landscapes that avoid pesticides, chemical fertilizers and excess
watering” as much as possible. “Community Wildlife Habitat projects benefit
the entire community; people, plants and wildlife.”
Since September, the City has been encouraging residents, schools and
businesses to enter their yards and common areas as Backyard Wildlife
Habitats in order to meet some of the NWF criteria for the entire City to be
certified. So far, approximately 81 homes and two schools (Peters
Elementary and Central Park Elementary) have been certified as Backyard
Wildlife Habitats. American Heritage, Tropical Elementary and Plantation
Middle schools have also hopped on board, and are currently working on
their certifications.
One question we hear a lot is: “I want to help the City of Plantation to
become a National Wildlife Certified Community by creating a backyard
wildlife habitat and getting it certified, but I don’t know where to start.”
We’re glad you asked! You are on the right track to sharing your love of
wildlife and responsible gardening practices with others by seeking certification
as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.
First, take a look at your property. Are there any plants that provide food
for wildlife, such as berries or seeds? Do you observe birds or butterflies that
seem to enjoy resting and nesting in the shrubs or trees you currently own?
Do you have an open source of water on your property – a fountain, canal or
birdbath? Make a note of all these things for your Backyard Habitat application.
These are the basic components of a habitat for wildlife: food, water,
shelter and places to raise young.
4 Plantation Quarterly Spring 2007
If you have some, but not all of these components, put out a bird
feeder, birdhouse or birdbath. Even a simple saucer filled with water
will be appreciated by both birds and butterflies. Add some shrubs
and flowers that attract butterflies and birds if need be. Think about
adding one or more trees to the easement area in front of your home.
The City of Plantation’s Landscape Department (954-797-2246) is the
place to call about purchasing a tree through its Street Tree Program.
Next, put away the chemicals. “Natural gardens” are better for you,
your family and wildlife. Mulch to keep down weeds. Free, 100
percent organic mulch is available through the City of Plantation’s
Public Works Department. Call 954-452-2535 or visit the City’s website
at www.Plantation.org for more information.
Consider adding some native Florida plants, which are naturally
adapted to our climate, soil and weather patterns. Native plants are
great sources of berries, seeds and nectar for birds and butterflies.
Check your sprinkler system. Watering the grass everyday, is an
unnecessary waste of water. Water the grass only once a week, or
install a rain sensor on your sprinkler system. A rain guage is great for
monitoring the amount of water your yard is getting.
Ready to certify? Simply fill out your Backyard Habitat application
form. You can download it from the NWF web site at
www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat. You can also call the City
of Plantation at 954-797-2246 for a copy, or if you have questions.
Once you have certified your property, give us a call and we will
provide you with a 100 percent organic cotton Operation Habitat
t-shirt. Long-time residents Kay and Ken Ellington provided us with
some beautiful pictures from their certified Backyard Habitat to share,
and declared, “We will wear our Operation Habitat t-shirts proudly!”
WaterConservation IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
According to the South Florida Water Management District, the first 11 months of 2006 were the driest since 1938. As we enter into South
Florida’s “dry season” – November through May – rainfall levels are already approximately one foot below average. It is critical that we
begin water conservation NOW, to protect our water resources and help prevent severe water restrictions later. Here are a few helpful tips.
DROUGHT-PROOF YOUR LAWN:
WATER EARLY IN THE DAY, before sunrise, so less water evaporates.
Do not water your lawn between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
KEEP MOWER BLADES SHARP and RAISE THE BLADE.
Your lawn will hold moisture longer.
DO NOT WATER WHEN IT IS GOING TO OR HAS RAINED.
Turn off sprinkler’s “auto” mode and operate your system manually or
install a rain sensor. Use a rain guage. Water only when your lawn shows
signs of wilt. Check your irrigation system regularly, to make sure it is
working properly. Don’t water the sidewalk or the street.
CHOOSE LANDSCAPE PLANTS WISELY. Use native, droughttolerant
plants to make your landscaping beautiful and wildlife friendly.
USE MULCH. It helps keep soil damp longer, protects the soil from
erosion and limits weed growth.
MORE TIPS FOR CONSERVING WATER:
Don’t use the hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Use a broom.
It saves water and is great exercise!
When washing the car, do not leave the hose running.
Turn faucet on low, when brushing your teeth, washing your hands
or doing the dishes. Rather than letting children play in the sprinklers,
try to take them to the beach or pool.
Install low-flow toilets and showerheads. Take shorter showers.
Don’t use the toilet as a waste basket.
Wash only full laundry and dishwasher loads.
Repair leaky faucets promptly. It saves water AND money!
Visit South Florida Water Management’s website at www.sfwmd.gov
for more ways to conserve water.