The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
February 2009
What Is Changing?
As of 2009, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), our primary funding agency, has asked that UF/IFAS use the term “Florida-Friendly Landscaping” in all its materials to match the language used in state legislation.
What Is Not Changing?
The name of the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program (FYN) is not changing. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program was created to include FYN (both the Homeowner and Builder & Developer components) and the Florida-Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries (GIBMPs), which as of July 2009 will be joining FYN under the direction of Dr. Esen Momol.
Why Was the Change Made?
Traditionally FYN has served a homeowner audience, while the GIBMPs are directed towards an audience of commercial horticulture professionals. Because Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ terminology is used in state law, both UF/IFAS and FDEP felt it appropriate to find a name for the overarching philosophy that embraces both homeowner and industry audiences. More programs may be added under the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ umbrella as funding becomes available.
The 9 FFL Principles
It’s important to know that the FYN program and the GIBMP program promote the 9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles, not the 9 FYN Principles. This is because the 9 Principles apply equally to homeowner and industry recommendations. Web sites at both the state and county level should make sure that their terminology matches this directive.
How is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Structured?
There will be three components of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program under Dr. Momol on the UF Campus:
1) The FYN Homeowner program
2) The FYN Builder & Developer program
3) The Green Industry Best Management Practices (GIBMP) program
FFL Organizational Chart
Each component will have its own statewide coordinator. Their contact information can be found here or by clicking on "About Us" in the menu bar at the top of this page.
Where Does the Center Fit In?
The Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology (CLCE)—both its faculty and Information Office—also embrace the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ philosophy but operate independently of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program. The center faculty members are spread out across the state, while the Information Office is located on the Gainesville campus. The center’s director is Dr. Terril Nell, and the Communications Coordinator of the Information Office is Emily Eubanks. The center will continue to function as a partner of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program in preparing and distributing science-based, consumer-friendly recommendations.
Where Should I Go For More Information?
For more information on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, contact:
- Dr. Esen Momol, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Director
eam@ufl.edu
(352) 392-1831, x.330 - Brian Niemann, Statewide Homeowner Coordinator, Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
bniemann81@ufl.edu
(352) 392-1831, x.267 - Kathy Malone, Statewide Builder & Developer Coordinator, Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
kmalon@ufl.edu
(352) 392-1831, x.220 - Georgia Gelmis, Senior Information Specialist, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
calicoj@ufl.edu
(352) 392-2571 - Kurt Rowe, Web Designer/IT Specialist, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
(941) 861-9811
ksrsrq@ufl.edu
For the Information Office of the Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology, contact:
Emily Eubanks, Educational Media & Communications Coordinator
eee@ufl.edu
(352) 392-1831, x.246
