UF/IFAS Extension Initiative 4: Sustainable Communities

Mark E. Hostetler

Mark E. Hostetler

Esen A. Momol, Emily Ott, Gail Hansen, Laura A. Warner, Paul Monaghan, Emily Ott, Timothy Fogarty, Claire Lewis, Esen Momol, andTimothy Fogarty
Other Contacts: Keighly Graves

Basil V. Iannone III, Tina McIntyre, Alexander J. Reisinger, Eban Z. Bean, Abbey Tyrna, and Brooke L. Moffis

Designers, builders, and managers of sustainable urban areas must consider location and proximity of conserved land, built infrastructure, and designed urban ecosystems such as stormwater ponds and ornamental gardens. This publication introduces four key spatial considerations and discusses their implications for conservation of native plants and animals and the biodiversity and ecological benefits provided by urban landscapes. Planners, builders, and managers must recognize and conserve spatial differences in habitat types and understand how the size, shape, and location of conserved lands and urban ecosystems affect plant and animal welfare and movement. The publication  lists multiple free tools for visualizing and measuring spatial aspects and stresses that conserved areas and designed ecosystems must be properly managed to reap benefits from good spatial planning. People can use the information to improve the design, construction and management of sustainable urban areas.

Martha C. Monroe, Jennifer M. Fill, Raelene M. Crandall, and Susan Marynowski

Fire protection is a necessary consideration when building homes and designing neighborhoods in Florida. The type, amount, and structure of vegetation surrounding the development and individual houses will affect the risk that homes will catch fire. Architects and developers can significantly reduce wildfire risk for those living and working in Florida by using fire-resistant materials and managing the landscape around developments. This publication details specific recommendations for planning and designing defensible developments, including wildfire mitigation planning, vegetation management, and home construction, and how to balance the risks with the costs of risk mitigation strategies.

Trent D. Blare, Trent D. Blare, Afeefa A. Abdool-Ghany, andHelena M. Solo-Gabriele
Other Contacts: Fredy H. Ballen

This publication examines the costs that the city of Ft. Lauderdale incurred to establish a sargassum compost facility. The objective of this analysis is to provide insights to other municipalities and small businesses around south Florida who are considering starting similar composting operations with the expectation that sargassum composting will provide them with more space in their landfills while maintaining their beaches’ tourist appeal. The data for this analysis were collected through interviews in 2021 with several individuals in municipalities and small businesses, which use a wide range of sargassum management strategies. We found that Ft. Lauderdale saves at least $326,000 annually by operating its own composting facility.

Marisa J. Romero andMark Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Laura A. Warner, Colby Silvert, Colby Silvert, John Diaz, Cody Gusto, andRachel E. Mallinger

Pollinator gardening has rapidly become recognized as an important component of conservation to combat the issues that have resulted from rapid urbanization. Residential yards can support pollinators and help to restore their habitats. Thus, an opportunity exists for Extension and other practitioners to encourage greater engagement in pollinator gardening. However, research has indicated unique perceived barriers exist among residents in homeowners’ associations (HOAs). By focusing on perceived barriers, Extension and other practitioners can encourage positive adoption changes among residents and HOA stakeholders. Findings in this article suggest many HOA dwellers are unsure whether they are permitted to engage in pollinator gardening, and they may perceive that this approach to landscaping is incompatible with neighborhood norms. These barriers must be addressed at the resident and HOA leadership levels  to help more people engage in gardening to support pollinators.

Marisa J. Romero andMark Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Marisa J. Romero andMark Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives