KEEPIN' IT GREEN

Helping Florida's conservation efforts at home

Being a good steward of the planet means taking responsibility for the environment and actively working to protect it for generations. This involves making sustainable choices in our daily lives, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly practices. It also includes advocating for and initiatives that promote environmental health and biodiversity. Ultimately, good stewardship is about fostering a harmonious relationship with nature and ensuring that our planet thrives.

SIMPLE STEPS

1. Create a

wildlife-friendly habitat

Plant native species: Choosing plants adapted to Florida's climate and soil is the best way to provide a natural food source for local wildlife and pollinators.
Provide food and water sources: Plant a variety of plants with seeds, fruits, foliage, flowers, or berries that cater to different wildlife species. Also consider installing a bird bath, or a rain garden.
Create shelter: Shrubs, rock piles, deadwood, or even bat houses can offer important shelter and nesting areas for various animals.
Encourage beneficial insects: Minimize insecticide use to allow ladybugs and other natural pest controls to thrive in your garden.
Consider a layered habitat: A diverse landscape with mature trees, small trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials provides a variety of habitats and foraging opportunities.

2. Conserve water

Fix leaks promptly: Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water.
Take shorter showers and turn off faucets: Simple habits like these can add up to significant water savings.
Install water-saving fixtures: Consider low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce water usage per minute.
Water efficiently: Only water lawns and plants when needed, preferably early in the day, to minimize evaporation.
Harvest rainwater: Collect rainwater in barrels or cisterns for watering your plants and other outdoor uses, reducing dependence on public water supplies.

3. Reduce your environmental footprint

Reduce, reuse, recycle: Minimize waste by rethinking purchases, opting for reusable items, and recycling materials whenever possible.
Minimize fertilizer and pesticide use: Overuse can harm ecosystems. Opt for native plants (which require less intervention), test your soil before fertilizing, and explore non-toxic pest control methods like ladybugs or insecticidal soaps.
Compost organic waste: Create nutrient-rich soil amendments from kitchen scraps and yard waste, benefiting your garden and diverting waste from landfills.
Consider renewable energy sources: Explore installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Federal and state incentives may be available to help offset costs.
Reduce light pollution: Minimize outdoor lighting, turn off unnecessary lights, and use shielded, downward-facing fixtures with warmer light temperatures (orange and red LEDs) to protect night skies and wildlife.

4. Get involved

Volunteer: Participate in local cleanups, habitat restoration projects, or invasive species removal workdays.
Become a citizen scientist: Report observations of plants and animals to help scientists gather data about local populations.
Educate yourself and others: Learn about Florida's conservation challenges and share your knowledge with friends, family, and neighbors.

By implementing even a few of these suggestions, you can make a tangible difference in supporting Florida's unique ecosystems and wildlife from the comfort of your own home.