Publications
- Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Handbook
(1.6MB) - Florida-Friendly Yards tip cards (1.3MB)
- Micro-Irrigation Guide (1.2MB)
- Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources in Florida
- Know Your Irrigation Contractor
- Landscape Irrigation & Florida-Friendly Design Standards
The Landscape Education Coordination Initiative (LECI) committee was formed to create a comprehensive and unified approach to landscape water use efficiency through proper design and maintenance.
Efficient use and protection of water quality are the basis of the nine principles of Florida-friendly landscaping promoted by the University of Florida's/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (FYN) program. The LECI committee is using tools developed for the FYN program to disseminate a consistent message to various audiences.
Our outreach targets landscape architects, designers, contractors, maintenance workers and irrigation contractors. By focusing on the green industry, we will be creating a resource of knowledgeable professionals for homeowners who are looking for landscape and irrigation services.
Additionally, we will focus our efforts on land developers, builders and their sales staff. These groups make decisions that affect our environment and influence homeowners.
Goals
- Promote efficient water use in landscape and irrigation design and maintenance
- Promote protection of water quality through appropriate use of fertilizers and pesticides
- Promote training and education
Partners
LECI is a coordinated effort among
- Southwest Florida Water Management District
- University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
- Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association
- Florida Irrigation Society
- Tampa Bay Wholesale Growers
Participate
Homeowners
- Hire certified professionals to install and maintain your yard and irrigation system: Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association Certified Professionals
- Green Industries Best Management Practices Certification List
- Use the FYN principles when performing your own yard work
Local governments
- Establish and enforce licensing and certification requirements
- Educate residents
- Adopt FYN principles as part of landscape codes
Retailers
- Encourage and assist your employees with certification
- Stock products that can be used to achieve a Florida-friendly yard
Landscape and irrigation professionals
- Get certified and maintain CEUs
- Market yourself as a responsible and knowledgeable steward of the environment
Developers and builders
- Plan the site around the natural environment
- Hire reputable contractors that are certified in industry best management practices
- Educate sales staff about the many benefits of Florida-friendly landscaping
Events
- Tampa Spring Expo
- Florida Irrigation Society Education
- FNGLA Shows & Conferences
- Wild Rose Lawncare Events
- Professional Horticulture Training
- Green Industries Best Management Practices Training
