The Board of County Commissioners has passed a new Landscaping Ordinance to be in conformance with state law which prohibits HOA bans on Florida Friendly Landscaping.  For commercial developments, the ordinance caps turf grass use at 60% of landscape area and stipulates drought tolerant plant use.  Read the ordinance here.

The festivities at the open house for Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge include a bake sale, raffle, children's activities, meet and greet educational ambassadors, and more .

• Saturday December 5, 2009
• 3:00pm to 8:00pm
• 18515 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando
• Free admission!
• Contact: 407-568-5138

FLERA Educational Meeting on "Low Impact Development" November 5, 2009 – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office.  The November Quarterly Educational Meeting focuses on Low Impact Development Techniques —one of the primary methods to improve surface water quality and meet regulatory requirements in your jurisdiction.  LID Designs and Techniques, Modeling and Monitoring, and Ordinances will be discussed.  The status of the revisions to the Statewide Stormwater Rule will be reviewed, as will Sarasota County's recently adopted LID Development Manual.

You must register by November 2nd by completing the form located at http://www.flera.org/education.html and returning to FLERA via FAX to 850-222-4124 or email danielleh@ksanet.net. There is no cost to attend but we can not guarantee seating without advance registration!  Attendance is open to FLERA members and their guests. Please forward this announcement to colleagues that would be interested in attending.  Questions?  Call 850-561-0904

Come learn how you can join the Green Revolution and start erasing your carbon footprint. Get the facts on:

• The latest in green building designs
• Practical and affordable solar applications
• New fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles
• The best advice in energy efficiency
  

There'll be plenty of fun and excitement for green-living enthusiasts of all ages!

Hosted at the Orlando Science Center

October 24-25 from 10am to 6pm

On the evening of October 14, 2009, the U.S. Green Building Council Central Florida Chapter will be hosting our Annual LEEDership Dinner at the Church Street Ballroom. This annual gala event is our opportunity to celebrate the Chapter's growth and accomplishments over the past year and to recognize those in our community who are helping to shape green building in Central Florida.

Download the workshop presentations

• OC Solar Incentives
• Going Solar
• Renewable Energy
• Solar Photo Voltaic
• Understanding Your Energy Use
• OUC Conservation Programs
• Solar Thermal Systems

The Orange County Environmental Protection Division office on Mercy Drive has been awarded the US EPA's Energy Star Certification for achieving a high level of energy efficiency.

View our building profile on the US EPA website here.

• It's the rainy season - and the perfect time to pay attention to your landscaping habits.
• Cut down on watering - the lawn gets enough from the summer rains
• No need to fertilize until fall
• Use mulch to retain moisture, maintain even soil temperature, and prevent erosion and weeds - but avoid cypress mulch! (External Site)
• Find out more about Florida friendly landscaping by contacting the Orange County Extension Education Center at (407) 254-9200.