Most of the people living here want lush, green lawns in their yards or in the development where they live. All that grass needs to be watered, and fertilized, and treated for pests.
Since the advent of chemical fertilizers after World War II, South Floridians have been pouring tons of the wrong stuff -- especially high in phosphorus -- on our soils, which really don't need it. These wasted nutrients run into drains, leach into the water table and are carried by storm water to our estuaries, bays and the Everglades, where they damage the ecosystem by triggering excessive growth of algae or cattails.
DID YOU KNOW? Citrus used to be the most common crop in southern Florida; now it is St. Augustine grass -- just what you're most likely to find in your, and your neighbor's yards!
Excess phosphorus is one of the greatest threats to the Everglades. There is simply too much phosphorus in the stormwater runoff that goes into the Everglades. And a big portion of that comes from urban developments, from our yards and lawns.
On this website you'll find information about fertilizing, irrigation, stormwater pollution prevention and many things that you can do to help saving the Everglades.
Yesterday & Today
Everglades the Problems
