Collier County Extension
Florida Yards and
Neighborhoods Program

Florida-Friendly Landscaping

Creating and maintaining attractive landscapes to enhance our community and to protect Florida's natural environment.

Take the First Step!

Does your yard measure up?

Click this link... "The Florida Yardstick" ...to find out.

This qualifies your yard to a Florida Yard Certificate or a certified yard stick sign to place in your yard

Protect Florida's Natural Resources .....for generations to come.

The natural beauty of Florida continues to attract many people--some to visit and to stay as residents. From the sandy coasts that encircle our state to the inland forests and prairies that contain lakes, rivers and streams, we use and enjoy Florida's natural resources for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking and camping.

Florida's rapid population growth brings demanding challenges. Some of the natural environment that attracted us in the first place is damaged and dwindling at an unprecedented rate.

As our communities have grown, there has been a tremendous pressure placed upon water resources. An amazing natural system of recharge areas and springs links the above and below ground water sources (aquifers) that sustain Florida's vital ecosystems--and provide us with water.

In the past, we have not been as careful as we should have been in order to protect the natural beauty of F lorida for the future.

The good news is that we are learning from our past mistakes. Today we realize that we can take important steps to prevent further destruction of Florida's natural resources and to rebuild the state's valuable ecosystems.

Whether we take care of our own yard or contract a professional service, we can play an important role in minimizing the potentially harmful effects of urbanization on our natural resources.

Every year, thousands of people turn to their county's University Extension Service for information, instruction and advice from specially-trained Master Gardeners and horticulture staff. The Extension Service can show you ways to design and maintain a yard that uses less water, fertilizer and pesticides.

To learn more about creating and maintaining attractive, healthy landscapes that protect Florida's natural resources, or to have a representative from Florida Yards & Neighborhoods visit your yard, contact:

Cathy Feser
(239) 353-4244
cffeser@ufl.edu