Let’s Get Florida-Friendly Polk County!

What’s the big deal?

As one of the fastest growing counties in Florida, Polk County, it’s time to get serious and get Florida-Friendly! With so much development and population growth our natural resources, including our water resources, are strained.

30th Anniversary of Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program. Established 1993.

What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and how can it help?

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a program offered through the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Polk County and the Polk County Master Gardeners to recognize and encourage outstanding landscaping. Participation helps encourage and support wildlife, reduce water and pesticide usage, and promote a healthier environment through the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™.

Benefits of FFL

  • Cost savings by reducing the need and use of water, fertilizer, pesticides, and maintenance.
  • Increase curb appeal.
  • Support wildlife (including pollinators).
  • Carbon sequestration.

Who is part of the solution?

All of us! While that might seem obvious, we can all play a role in creating beautiful landscapes and greens spaces that support wildlife and help protect our natural resources.

  • City and municipal staff: Set the example by creating and maintaining public spaces that are recognized as Florida-Friendly for others to learn from.
  • Business owners: Ensure that the green spaces around your business meet the Florida-Friendly standard and contact us to get them recognized as an official Florida-Friendly Landscape.
  • Polk County residents: Take actions to ensure your landscape follows the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™. Residential landscapes can also be recognized as Florida-Friendly.

Get Your Florida-Friendly Landscape Recognized. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a program offered through the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Polk County and the Polk County Master Gardeners to recognize and encourage outstanding landscaping. Participation helps encourage and support wildlife, reduce water and pesticide usage, and promote a healthier environment. Help make Polk the Florida-Friendliest County! Call or email us: 863-519-1041 polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu. Ask for the Florida-Friendly coordinator

 

So, are you ready to have your landscape recognized as Florida-Friendly?

If you are a resident, city/municipality, or business in Polk County, FL, please contact us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu or 863-519-1041 to learn more about having your landscape officially recognized as Florida-Friendly and help make Polk the Florida-Friendliest County!

Recently recognized commercial and municipal Florida-Friendly Landscapes in Polk County:

Check back for updates on additional sites in Polk County, Florida that have been officially recognized as a Florida-Friendly Landscape!

Your central Florida yard podcast cover with butterfly, tomato plant, and saw palmetto leaf

Check out episodes from Your Central Florida Yard, a podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, by Clicking Here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Equal Opportunity Institution

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Headshot of Julie Schelb, Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.
Posted: October 27, 2023


Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Tags: Dr. Butz, FFL, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Florida-Friendly Plants, Master Gardener, Master Gardener Volunteer, Polk County, Polkgardening, Polkmg, RaceTrac, Water Conservation


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