Sweetwater Creek Watershed Mgmt. Plan 2007 Update--Part 2

CHAPTER 8
and Hillsborough County that provides research-based information to the public through
workshops, publications, and mass media. The CES offers assistance on creating and
maintaining a Florida yard, composting, creating wildlife habitat, xeriscaping, water conservation
with micro-irrigation, butterfly gardening, and landscaping for beginners. Several programs are
implemented in Hillsborough County:
1. Master Gardener Program - The CES offers the Master Gardener Program that
provides gardeners with training and the opportunity to improve their horticultural
knowledge and skills. Through organized volunteer activities, gardeners then share their
experience with the public. Master gardeners help to educate the community by helping
gardeners solve their plant problems, promoting environmental responsibility through
water conservation and pest control, beautifying Hillsborough County by teaching about
appropriate plants for its climate, and working with school and community gardens.
2. Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program - The CES offers the Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Program, which promotes the use of native plants. The program teaches that the right
selection of native plants can provide a natural food source year-round that many native
plants are attracted to. When used correctly the plants will require less water, fertilizer,
and pesticides.
3. Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program - The CES offers the Florida Yards and
Neighborhoods Program (FYNP). The FYNP is a partnership of concerned citizens,
members of the landscape industry, the University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension
Service, the National Estuary Program, Florida Sea Grant College Program, and
numerous environmental agencies. The program was developed to address serious
problems of pollution and disappearing habitats by enlisting homeowners to help save
our waterways. The program provides special education and outreach activities in the
community by assisting residents to reduce pollution and enhance their environment by
improving home and landscape management.
SWFWMD Environmental Education Programs
SWFWMD implements several programs throughout it 16-county service area that includes
Hillsborough County:
1. Xeriscape - The xeriscape program promotes water conservation through creative
landscaping. Landscapes that conserve water will save the homeowner money on water,
energy, and maintenance bills, and will help preserve valuable fresh water resources
and provide wildlife habitat. The program guides homeowners through a seven-step
process including 1) design, 2) plant selection, 3) improving the soil, 4) wise utilization of
turf, 5) efficient irrigation, 6) using mulch, and 7) maintenance.
2. SWFWMD In-School Education Programs - The In-School Education Program helps
achieve the SWFWMD’s goal of preserving and protecting water resources and related
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Sweetwater Creek Watershed Management Plan