Transcript Document
Water Efficiently, Reduce Stormwater Runoff, and Protect the Waterfront by Julio Perez Horticultural Technician University of Florida, IFAS/Broward County Extension Education Section Parks and Recreation Division [email protected] and Dr. John Pipoly, Extension Agent Water: the world’s life blood – Covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s Surface – 97% of it is saline – Accounts for around 60% of your body weight (1 gal= 8.3 lbs) – It is a limited renewable resource Water: the world’s life blood – *28 billion gallons per day of surface water – *82.6 billion gallons per day of groundwater – Approximately 73 million people are in extreme drought areas – These areas are also places where most of U.S. produce comes from We aren’t in the drought zone – Our water sources depend on rain for replenishment – High pressure from the flow of fresh water keeps saltwater out of the aquifers We aren’t in the drought zone – South and Central Florida uses about 8 billion gal. of water daily – As we drain water from the aquifer the pressure that kept saline waters out lessens and leads to saltwater intrusion – We may not be in a drought zone but we have had water sortages What can we do? – Right Plant Right Place – Water Efficiently – Fertilize Appropriately – Mulch – Attract Wildlife – Manage Yard Pest Responsibly – Recycle yard Waste – Reduce Storm water Runoff – Protect the Water Front Watering Efficiently – Get to know your yard • Dry/wet spots • Sunny/shaded areas – How do you want to utilize your yard? • Butterflies and birds? • Play area for kids? • Social area? – Plan out your landscaping. Getting to know your yard – Knowing the make up of your yard and how you want to use it will lead to the right plant for the right place – Planting a water loving plant in a dry place or vice versa can lead to high stress and costs. – Grouping plants that are alike will help when managing resources Watering – Know if there are any water restrictions • www.sfwmd.gov- South Florida Water Management District – Water early in the morning – Let plants tell you when they need water Watering – Hand water when possible – If you need to use irrigation systems • Perform regular maintenance • Use microirrigation • Be mindful of the weather Other Water Saving suggestions – Mulch Plants • 2-3 inches • Keeps moisture in the soil – Mow correctly • 3 inch suggested mowing height • Taller grass leads to deeper root systems – Use a rain barrel • Use food quality barrel • Free water Reduce Stormwater Runoff What is Stormwater Runoff? – When it rains it usually pours – Water will follow the path of least resistance – Much is absorbed into the soil but excess water will flow into canals, wetlands and eventually to the ocean Stormwater Runoff –As water flows into canals it will carry: • Natural debris • Fertilizers and pesticides • And other pollutants How can we reduce Storm Water Runoff –Plant rain gardens near drain spouts • Slows the flow of water • Use water loving and drought tolerant plants such as mullygrass, native ferns, and mist flower How can we reduce Storm Water Runoff –Use porous surfaces for walkways, sidewalks and driveways • Porous surfaces allows more surface area for the absorption of water • Absorbed water delivers fertilizers to the roots How can we reduce Storm Water Runoff –Water collection using rain barrels and cisterns • Save water for dry season • Lower your water bill • But make sure you secure it from Mosquitos • Make sure it is high enough for your needs Examples of rain Barrels Examples of rain Barrels Protecting the Water Front –If you live on a canal or other body of water you should do your part to protect it • Shoreline vegetation • Establish a maintenance free zone • Mow and Fertilize correctly Shoreline vegetation – Shore plants are needed to prevent shore line erosion – You should check with your HOA or city to see if you are able to plant along shoreline – If you can’t, plant a row of plants where you are permitted to slow the flow of water and nutrients Establish a maintenance free zone –Suggested zone is 10 feet from waters edge –Another way to filter fertilizers and pesticides before reaching the water Mow and Fertilize correctly –Make sure that mower is facing way from the water –Follow directions when using fertilizer –Us a broadcast shield that will deflect fertilizer from water We All live near a canal or lake –Mow away from streets –Create compost pile with grass clipping –Don’t over fertilize or over use pesticides Questions • Information for the presentation, including some of the pictures, was taken from The Florida “Yards and Neighborhoods Handbook” which can be found online at http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/materials/FYN_Handbook_vSept09. pdf • The other graphics were taken from a Google search for the topic of the slide. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: A collaborative effort Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Contact Information Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program Florida Master Gardeners of Broward County UF-IFAS/ Broward County Extension Education Parks and Recreation Division (954) 357-5270 [email protected] NatureScape Broward Program For Yard Certification, See http://www.broward.org/NaturalResources/NatureScape/Pages/HowToGetCertified.aspx then contact: [email protected] Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ A SERVICE OF THE BROWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Broward county programs are open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. Disabled individuals are requested to notify program two days prior to program for auxiliary aids if assistance is required. Disabled parking space and wheelchair ramp are available. ”The Foundation for the Gator Nation, An Equal Opportunity Institution.” This public document was promulgated at a cost of $126 or $1.26 cents per copy to inform the public about Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM , NatureScape, and how to conserve water and reduce nonpoint source pollution.