Landscape Challenge Workshop Encourages Smart Water Use

A Landscape Challenge 2008 workshop was hosted April 11 by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) West Palm Beach, conducted by Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) and Green Industries Institute for Professional Development and sponsored by ArborBrace Staking Systems to promote the message of industry best management practices (BMPs) to conserve natural resources.

Because of BMPs and the principles of Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, homeowners and commercial property owners alike can feel confident about continuing to beautify their landscapes while protecting our natural resources. In South Florida, the "GrowSmart!" program encourages water-smart landscaping through sensible practices.

This friendly environmental competition, conducted by FNGLA certified professionals and judged by members of the Landscape Inspectors Association of Florida (LIAF), included events in water management and conservation, right plant in the right place, pesticide management and nutrient management to promote landscape and water best management practices. Teams from municipalities, resorts and landscape companies competed in events aptly named "Bug Out", "Spreading the Bull," "Thirsty Plants?" and "Water it Right." The workshop was approved for 2 continuing education units (CEUs) for pesticide applicators by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and 4 CEUs for FNGLA's certified industry professionals.

Water restrictions in many of the water management districts have prompted the nursery and landscape industry to encourage water-smart landscaping through sensible practices. The Landscape Challenge workshop proved a fun way to learn best management practices. FNGLA and Green Industries Institute will present the Landscape Challenge workshop to other water management districts and municipalities in the coming months.

Green Industries Institute for Professional Development is approved by the FNGLA, FDACS and other professional associations and licensing boards as a continuing education provider. Green Industries Institute provides online CEU courses, certification preparation courses, and seminars and workshops for green industry professionals.

For additional information contact Green Industries Institute at 850/997-4088 or visit www.greenindustries.org.