Florida-Friendly Friday

1120 Centennial Blvd,Port Charlotte FL 33953

21 April, 2023

Description

9:00A.M.-9:50A.M.-Introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents. The Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles. A Florida-friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable. 10:00A.M.-10:50A.M.-The Tale of Atala & Coontie: A Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Success Story Have you ever seen the rare gemlike Atala Butterfly? Do you recognize our native cycad, commonly known as Coontie? These two native species almost had a tragic ending due to colonization of Florida. However, with the implementation of sustainable Florida-Friendly Landscaping these two formerly imperiled species have rebounded from the brink of extinction. Learn about the story behind this success, and how you might be part of the future of these two species thriving in a changing climate. We welcome Forest Hecker, the Sarasota County Florida-Friendly Landscaping Specialist, to share his knowledge and experience. 11:00A.M.-11:50A.M.- Florida Snakes Florida is home to 46 species of native snakes, only 6 of which are venomous. Charlotte County Senior Animal Control Officer, Emily Graham, will be teaching the important role snakes have in our ecosystem, how to identify snakes common in our area, and what to do (or not to do) when you come across one.