One of the volunteer projects I have been working on is the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program. FY&N encourages homeowners to water efficiently, mulch, recycle, select the least toxic pest control measures, put the right plant in the right spot, fertilize only when necessary, provide food, water and shelter for wildlife, protect surface water bodies (i.e., bays, rivers, streams, ponds, etc.) and minimize stormwater runoff.

In the Tallahassee area (Leon and Wakulla Counties), we have customized the statewide program to fit our area. We developed a special workbook and "yardstick" to help homeowners determine how well their practices "measure up" to the recommended environmentally friendly practices of the program. If the homeowner can demonstrate 36 inches of sound practices, they qualify for a yard sign and certificate as a "Certified Florida-Friendly Yard".

We started out slowly developing the program for this area, but it is really starting to gather steam now, thanks mainly to the full-time coordinator, David Copps, who was hired under a federal grant. New master gardeners in the Leon/Wakulla program are required to work at least 25 hours of their volunteer commitment in the FYN program, and many of the advanced master gardeners are still helping on the program.

I have set up a mailing list on Onelist.com for participants in the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program. To subscribe to this list, go to http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/FYN and follow the instructions.

For additional information on the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program, contact David Copps at the Leon County Cooperative Extension Service office, (850) 487-3004.


Click to subscribe to FYN