Florida
Yards And Neighborhoods Program Comes To Cape Coral
By Cathy Loyola and Susan Scott  The
health of the Caloosahatchee River, Matlacha Pass Aquatic
Preserve, our lakes, canals and groundwater is affected
in part by how we landscape and maintain our landscaping.
Because the health of our waters is linked to our yards,
the City of Cape Coral is introducing the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods (FYN) program
to residents. This program not only provides direction
to maintaining a healthy, environmentally friendly yard,
Yards and Neighborhoods also provides recognition to residents
who follow these guidelines.
This program is a partnership of concerned citizens,
members of landscape industry, University of Florida’s Cooperative
Extension Service, the National Estuary Programs, Florida’s
Sea Grant College Program and numerous environmental agencies.
The program focuses on yards since they are the first line
of defense for our estuaries, rivers, lakes and aquifers.
How?
The connection between the waterways and the
yards is stormwater. As rain flows through yards and
streets in route through the stormwater system, the water
can collect fertilizers, pesticides, petroleum, pet waste,
sand and trash. Unlike wastewater, stormwater receives
no treatment, and these pollutants flow into the canals,
river or the aquatic preserve via the spreader canal.
You do not have to live on a canal to impact the system.
Pollutants are carried by the swales (shallow ditch) to
either the freshwater or saltwater canal systems.
No matter where we live we affect the health of our waters.
Our yards, driveways and roads
are pathways to surrounding water bodies.
 We
can make decisions that help preserve the health and aesthetics
of our waterways. The Yards and Neighborhoods program
provides principles on planning and maintaining your landscaping.
This program has nine basic principles. Within each
principle are actions you can take to make your yard friendlier
to the environment. As you meet the criteria, you
earn “inches” or points. When you reach a total of
36 inches, your yard is certified, and a sign is provided
to let your neighbors know your yard is recognized by the
Yards and Neighborhoods program. Here are the nine
principles:
- Right
Plant, Right Place: Reduce the need for water, fertilizers
and pesticides, and excessive pruning by using plants
suited to the site condition in your yard. Group
plants according to their maintenance needs, save energy
by using trees and shrubs to shade the air conditioner,
determine how much yard you really need and increase
the size of bedding areas.
- Water
efficiently: The best way to use water in the landscape
is to design and maintain a yard that, when established,
thrives predominantly on rainfall. Native plants
are the best choice. Mow lawn areas high to encourage
a deeper root system. Water the lawn ONLY when
it shows signs of stress.
- Stormwater
Runoff: Because water flows from our yards into the
stormwater system, it is important to reduce the amount
of pollutants on our property. Leave grass clippings
on the lawn. Pick up after pets. Direct
downspouts and gutters to the lawn or plant beds.
However, if on a septic tank DO NOT direct downspouts
toward the drainfield. Use porous surfaces for
walkways.
- On
The Waterfront: Remove invasive exotics. Place
rip-rap in front of your seawall. Establish a
10-foot to 30-foot “no pesticide, no fertilizer” zone
along the shoreline. If possible, plant a border
of native, low-maintenance plants between your lawn
and the seawall to absorb nutrients and provide wildlifehabitat.
- Mulch:
Mulch keeps moisture in the soil and reduces erosion
and weeds. The Yards and Neighborhoods workbook provides
information on how much is needed to cover certain
areas.
- Recycle:
Recycle grass clippings by leaving them on the lawn.
Use fallen leaves and pine needles as mulch under trees
and shrubs. Create and maintain a compost pile.
-
Fertilizing: Use fertilizers containing slow release
nitrogen, and use only what your lawn actually needs.
The workbook contains calculations that save resources
and money. Use iron to make your lawn green during
the summer.
- Managing
Yard Pests: Understand that most insects are beneficial
and help keep pests under control. It is unrealistic
to strive for a completely insect-free and weed-free
lawn.
- Wildlife:
Plant trees, shrubs and vines that provide cover, nest
areas and food for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
Remember, native plants are best. Provide a water
source, use bat and bird houses. Keep snags (dead
trees) for cavity nesting birds if possible. Small
backyard ponds are beneficial to wildlife.
Cape Coral residents and anyone from Southwest Florida are welcome to attend and learn more about this program. The City is offering classes at Rotary Park (549-4606) every other month. The cost depends on the type of class and if you are a Cape Coral resident. There are University Classes, offered twice a year, which include an afternoon of touring certified yards. A FYN Design Class, where you do your own landscape design. A Rain Barrel Workshop, where you make your own barrel, is also offered twice a year in conjunction with native plant sales. Fifty five yards in Cape Coral already have been certified.
Introductory Classes
$5 per household Cape residents/ $6 non-residents
January 25, 2008 1pm-4pm
May 16, 2008 1pm-4pm
July 18, 2008 6pm-9pm
November 7, 2008 1pm-4pm
FYN University (introductory class plus yard tours) *
$18 per household Cape residents / $20 per household non-residents
March 8, 2008 9am-3pm
September 20, 2008 9am-3pm
FYN Home Garden Design (do it yourself landscape design) *
$18 per household Cape residents / $20 per household non-residents
April 4, 11 & 18, 2008 1-4pm
Rain Barrel Class *
$35 per barrel – call 461-7526 to register for this class only
April 19, 2008 9am
July 26, 2008 9am
All classes are held at Rotary Park in SW Cape Coral
Classes marked with an * require advance registration-- Call 549-4606 to register |
