Image courtesy of http://www.1888typeitup.com/ Improving Stormwater Ponds and Water Quality: A Community-Based Social Marketing Campaign to Increase Use of BMPs Focus Groups Image courtesy of Michelle Atkinson Tent Event and Walk About Images courtesy of Dr. Shangshun Hu Homeowner’s Association Manual Insert Dr. Paul Monaghan and Emily Ott, M. S. University of Florida Agricultural Education and Communication Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology Grass Clippings Noticed as a Problem Cultural/Social Norms • Value interaction with neighbors, what neighbors think. • Appreciate controlled, consistent environment. • Restrictions help maintain uniform neighborhood aesthetic. • Pride of ownership, manicured look, and good upkeep. • Pride in neighborhood and community. • Certain wildlife highly valued. • As in literature (Nasar, 1983; Nassauer, 1988; Yabiku, 2008 etc.) Best Management Practices (BMPs) Fertilize Appropriately •NEVER fertilize within 10 feet of any waterbody. •Clean up any spills on the lawn, sidewalk, or driveway– sweep it up and put it back in the bag. •Do NOT fertilize before rain. Reduce Stormwater Runoff •Sweep grass clippings, fertilizer, and soil onto the lawn so they don’t get washed into storm drains. •ALWAYS bag, tie, and trash your pet’s waste. •NEVER put anything into a storm drain. Protect the Waterfront • NEVER remove vegetation without first seeking proper permits and guidelines • Establish a maintenance-free zone of at least 10 feet between your landscape and a waterbody. • Plant a buffer zone of low-maintenance plants between your lawn and shoreline to absorb nutrients and to provide wildlife habitat. Extension Intervention and Outreach Barriers to Shoreline Plantings •Tall plants block views. •Plants grow too fast and “take over.” •Hide undesirable wildlife. (gators, snakes, mosquitoes, etc.). •Uncontrolled, “swampish” look. •Potential maintenance costs. Benefits of Shoreline Plantings • Colorful flowers • Diversity along shoreline • Complexity of various colors and textures • Habitat for desirable wildlife (fish, birds, etc.) Electronic Survey Survey Results Presentation Photo Courtesy of Kathryn Moshella, Bradenton Herald Demonstration Garden Runoff Brochure Science Café • What is the best part about living in this community? • What is the typical landscape? • Would you like a different type of landscape? • Would the HOA, neighbors support different landscapes? • Who manages/maintains the landscape? How? • How is your yard connected to ponds in your neighborhood? • How do your “lakes” function? Research n= 627 18% response rate Roadside Signs