April is Earth Month - Get Involved!

Get your volunteer hours while working alongside our Urban Horticulture Program staff and Master Gardener Volunteers from 9 AM - Noon. Help protect and restore the learning environment at the UF/IFAS Extension Office. Learn about the principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping and how to apply them to your own landscape to decrease your footprint on our South Florida environment.

More Information: Laura Vasquez, (305) 679-0239, lavasquez@ufl.edu

                               or Jeff Wasielewski, (305) 679-0227, jwasielewski@ufl.edu

Click Here to Register

Do you have an interest in finding and identifying butterflies in South 
Florida? Butterflies in Your Backyard introduces attendees to the specific 
butterflies they could expect to find in their zip code, according to the 
types of habitats in the area. Learn how to discern similar species from 
one another and the native plants one could plant to attract them to their 
home landscape.

Click Here to Register

Do you have an interest in finding and identifying butterflies in South 
Florida? Butterflies in Your Backyard introduces attendees to the specific 
butterflies they could expect to find in their zip code, according to the 
types of habitats in the area. Learn how to discern similar species from 
one another and the native plants one could plant to attract them to their 
home landscape.

Click Here to Register

UPDATE: The cost to purchase reconditioned food grade drums from our Extension Office is now only $75. These barrels are eligible for a $50 rebate from the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department, bringing the net cost after rebate down to $25 + tax! Rain Barrels are in limited supply - first come, first served. Once sold out, we will no longer provide rain barrels for purchase at future workshops and presentations.

Our April 2025 Rain Barrel Workshop takes place at the Homestead Cybrarium! Learn how you can safely and successfully harvest rain water for future use in your home landscape. Attendees must be present for the entire workshop to qualify for program rebate.

More Information on Rebate

You may purchase rain barrels online through our Eventbrite registration with a credit card. Rain barrels can be purchased at the pick-up with a check or money order only - NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Link to Purchase Barrels

For More Information: Barbara McAdam, bmcadam@ufl.edu

Click Here to Register

Attend this program to learn how to create a sustainable landscape using 
the principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping TM. We will introduce 
participants to the FFL Program and review the 9 Principles that, when 
used together, will help you create a beautiful and sustainable landscape 
that could save you time, energy, and money while protecting our water, 
resources, and the environment.

We will bring Florida-Friendly plants to share with attendees - first come, first served!

Click Here to Register

Attend this live presentation to learn how to create a sustainable landscape using 
the principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping TM. We will introduce 
participants to the FFL Program and review the 9 Principles that, when 
used together, will help you create a beautiful and sustainable landscape 
that could save you time, energy, and money while protecting our water, 
resources, and the environment.

Click Here to Register

Bring your green thumbs to the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition on select dates in March and April to receive expert advise on common plant troubleshooting questions, tips, and best practices from our University of Florida Master Gardener Volunteers! Our "Ask The Expert" table will offer expertise and resources to make your gardening experience easier and more fruitful. There will also be programmatic information for attendees to learn all about UF/IFAS Extension's offerings in Miami-Dade County.

Purchase Tickets to the Fair

Now Playing on the Miami-Dade County Extension YouTube Channel

Imagine having hummingbirds grace your South Florida backyard all winter long! In this engaging and informative webinar, you'll discover expert tips and techniques to attract these tiny, dazzling creatures to your outdoor space from the comfort of your home or office. Learn the best plants to grow and nurture, ensuring your garden becomes a welcoming haven as hummingbirds begin arriving in late August. We'll also provide helpful advice on creating a Florida-friendly environment that supports local wildlife while minimizing your impact on the ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this webinar is the perfect opportunity to transform your backyard into a hummingbird paradise!

Blog Spotlight

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program

"Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) is the state of Florida’s premier Extension program that promotes sustainable alternatives to conventional landscaping, providing guidance on low-impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters by following their 9 Science-Based Principles.

Landscape Recognitions

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program recognizes landscapes that use sustainable landscaping practices. Recognitions are offered for three different categories of landscapes: Home, Commercial, and New Construction. Landscapes are evaluated based on a checklist of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices. Florida-Friendly landscapes receive a yard flag to display and a certificate for the recognition at Silver, Gold, or FFL Natural level.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Pledge

We can all play a role in protecting Florida's natural resources. Please follow the link below and take the FREE pledge to indicate one or more behaviors you will adopt within the next 6 months to make your home more Florida-Friendly.

Take the Pledge Now!

Other Resources

FFL Plants Guide - ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/

Publications - ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/publications/

Webinars - ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/webinars/

Hire Florida-Friendly - ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/hire-florida-friendly/

Contact us for more information, or to schedule your landscape recognition!

Miami-Dade County Landscape Irrigation Rebate Program

As part of countywide efforts to reduce water use and improve efficiency, free landscape irrigation evaluations are offered to single-family homeowners and large property owners (i.e. condominium associations, commercial properties, etc.). Rebates are available for completing irrigation retrofits recommended during the evaluation. Single-family homeowners are eligible for retrofit rebates up to $500 a year over 5 years for a total of $2,500 in rebates. Large property owners are eligible for retrofit rebates up to $2,850 per property. A pre-assessment of the irrigation system must be completed prior to any retrofits for program qualification. Any retrofits completed prior to the pre-assessment will not qualify for rebate.

Fill Out An Application Online

For More Information:

Patrick J. Martin, WASD Water Use Efficiency Manager

(786) 552-8972, pmart@miamidade.gov