Florida Yards & Neighborhoods

Helping Florida One Yard at a Time

Introduction
About the Program
Objectives
Principles

Introduction

The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program (FY&N) can help you transform your yard into a beautiful oasis that will not only conserve precious water resources and reduce pollution, but also help you save time, energy, and money.

FY&N was developed to address serious problems of pollution and disappearing habitats by enlisting homeowners in the battle to save our natural environment. This program provides special educational and outreach activities directed at the community to help residents reduce pollution and enhance their environment by improving home and landscape management.

About the Program

Rain falls on yards, roads and parking lots, flows from the gutters into storm drains, and then washes into tributaries and lakes or bays, carrying pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, soil, and petroleum products.

Scientists have discovered that fertilizers and pesticides from residential areas are serious threats to the health of Florida’s water and ecosystems. Runoff containing nitrogen from fertilizers or toxic substances from pesticides can damage aquatic plants and animals that live in fresh and salt water environments.

The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program encourages homeowners to water efficiently; mulch; recycle; select the least-toxic pest control measures; put the right plant in the right place; fertilize only when necessary; provide food, water, and shelter for wildlife; protect surface water bodies (e.g., bays, rivers, streams, and ponds); and minimize stormwater runoff.

Proper implementation of FY&N practices in your yard will protect the natural environment around us for future generations to enjoy.