Thanks to a $5,000 bay-mini-grant from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County was able to develop a Bay Friendly Landscaping program. Educational classes were offered to teach residents about protecting the environment by planting low maintenance Florida native plants in their landscape. Since natives are from Florida, they are adapted to our soils and climatic conditions, and often require little to no irrigation, fertilizers and pesticides after establishment. Reduction of nutrient and chemical pollutants to our water bodies will help protect the bay.
Watch our webinar on Bay Friendly Landscaping to learn more about plant selection and design in the Tampa Bay area.
Here are some additional resources:
USDA Plant Hardiness zone map (updated 2023)
Tampa Bay Estuary Program Water Management Plan
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design
Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas
Find the extension office in your county
Tampa Bay Community Waterwise Awards
Hillsborough County fertilizer ordinance
List of Florida Native Plant Nurseries
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If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or email hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu.
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