WILD Horticulture Series: An Ecological Approach to Introducing Florida-Friendly Landscaping

摘要

The WILD Horticulture Series (Water and wildlife conservation, Integrated pest management, Landscape services, Done right!) has been established by the University of Florida/Institute of Agricultural Sciences Marion County Extension to offer conjoinedprograms in ecologically friendly gardening techniques. Attendees learn about gardening through Florida Friendly Landscaping’s nine principles while also learning about native ecosystems as a whole, wildlife, alternatives to traditional gardening suchas hydroponics, and new ways implement best management practices in the residential landscape. These classes are held monthly at several community center locations within home owners associations in Marion County, Florida. A total of 13 classes have beenprovided since September of 2017 with a total of 262 attendees. Post class surveys have stated that 95% of attendees were satisfied with the course and learned new information. Attendees will be sent six month follow up surveys to evaluate changes theyhave made in their landscape that will benefit local ecosystems, attract wildlife, reduce water consumption and non-point source pollution, or reduce landscaping costs to the resident.