1. Rookery Bay Reserve

This garden demonstrates the use of simple technologies that take advantage of two natural resources. Rainwater from the roof is collected by a rain barrel and two cisterns, and a solar panel powers the irrigation system which delivers water to the plants when it is needed. Not only did these plants look beautiful, but they appeared healthy and vibrant in Florida’s mid-day summer sun. Contact: Isabel Way, isabel.way@dep.state.fl.us

2. Marco Island Florida-Friendly Yard

A project undertaken by the City of Marco Island, the South Florida Water Management District and the Collier County Water Symposium Board to further promote the concept of FFL. This area is located within pedestrian sidewalks near the entrance of the Police Department. Contact: Nancy Richie [nrichie@cityofmarcoisland.com]

Perennial Peanut in Median

3. Lely Florida-Friendly Yard

The Hoffman’s residence follows all 9 principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Instead of standard turf grass, the home features perennial peanut. The installation cost was slightly more than for a regular lawn, but they are saving money on water and maintenance bills in return. Contact: Cathy Feser [Cfeser1@embarqmail.com]

4. Naples Botanical Garden Stormwater Management

Naples Botanical Garden’s filter marsh and parking lot dividers are fantastic examples of how stormwater can be treated before it reaches Naples Bay. Rain from the parking lot, carrying oil, heavy metals and debris, drains to these areas where it is filtered. The roots of native vegetation absorbs the water and removes most of these pollutants that otherwise would end up in the bay. For the scale and comprehensiveness of the project, it successfully incorporates effective sustainable practices in an aesthetically pleasing environment. Contact: Chad Washburn [cwashburn@naplesgarden.org]

5. City of Naples Stormwater Retention Ponds

The Natural Resources Division of the City of Naples, concerned with the health of ponds in the City, started a program to incorporate sound practices that would reduce the effects of nutrients on these bodies of water. The placement of floating islands planted with native vegetation, use of aerators, and encouraging homeowners to use littoral shelf vegetation when possible, has reduced water quality issues dramatically. Contact: Mike Bauer [mbauer@naplesgov.com]

6. La Villa Riviera Florida-Friendly Landscape

Inspired by the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program of the UF IFAS Extension office, La Villa Riviera decided that their primary goal was to improve aesthetics with a garden that required low maintenance and low water use.  Contact: Cathy Feser [Cfeser1@embarqmail.com]

7. Rain Garden at Saint John’s Episcopal Church

With some financing from SFWMD/Big Cypress Basin, the City of Naples and Caple Landscaping, the church created their first rain garden in 2010. The beauty and the natural plantings of the rain garden complement the Old Florida Spanish architecture of the church.

8. Freedom Park

Freedom Park is a set of interconnected wetlands designed and constructed with the purpose of treating stormwater runoff before it reaches the Gordon River, Naples Bay and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. Water is channeled through the different wetland systems by a series of automatic pumps, and as it flows throughout the area, the different systems aid with the uptake of pollutants. Contact: Margaret Bishop [MargaretBishop@colliergov.net]

9. Riverside Filter Marsh

The Riverside Filter Marsh intercepts stormwater from the Goodlette Road Pump station for treatment prior to its discharge into the Gordon River. This is accomplished through increased detention time, decreased velocity, as well as plant uptake of nutrients. The reduction in nutrient loading to Gordon River will help the City to comply with TMDL guidelines, and enhance water quality in the river. Contact: Mike Bauer [mbauer@naplesgov.com]