Abstract
In 1998, the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) initiated the educational out reach program, "Florida Yards, Neighborhoods and Ponds," in six counties in northeast Florida to reduce nonpoint source pollution to the lower St. Johns River and adjacent coastal watersheds. Cooperation with the St. Johns River Water Management District, Northeast Florida Sea Grant program, local government organizations, and Cooperative Extension offices in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam, and Nassau Counties contributed to the overall success of the program. Citizens in these counties received extensive information on nine basic landscaping principles: right plant, right place; water efficiently; mulch; recycle yard waste; fertilize appropriately; manage yard pests responsibly; reduce stormwater runoff; provide for wildlife; and protect the waterfront. Success was measured by pre- and post surveys that assessed attitudinal/behavioral changes in landscape practices.
