Broward County, Florida – Key project of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners Natural Resources Division, NatureScape Broward, formally opened applications for the much-awaited 2025 NatureScape Emerald Awards. These awards honor and celebrate the outstanding work of people, companies, and organizations embracing environmentally friendly landscaping techniques across the county.
Scheduled to be presented at the 23rd Annual Water Matters Day, which will take place at Tree Tops Park in Davie on Saturday, March 8, 2025, the Emerald Awards spotlight those who actively contribute to the environmental health of the community through innovative landscaping. The event highlights in urban development the need of sustainability and preservation.
The awards now cover various categories to suit a wide spectrum of participants: homes, companies, municipalities, colleges, government buildings, and those who have received particular awards in fields including Climate Change Leadership and Legacy. The Legacy category celebrates prior Emerald Award winners who have regularly maintained and improved sustainable landscapes for five or more years.
Applications for the prize must show landscaping designs consistent with the Florida-Friendly guidelines developed by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). These rules underline the need of adopting native plants and sustainable practices supporting local animals, water conservation, and less reliance on hazardous pesticides.
The deadline for applications is set for Friday, January 3, 2025. Candidates must make sure their landscape projects either accredited as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation or acknowledged by the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program. Judging will involve a late January inspection round to make sure all landscaping techniques satisfy criteria.
To apply and to see samples of prior winners, which inspire and set standards for environmental landscaping excellence, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Emerald Awards website.
Beyond the awards, NatureScape Broward is essential in encouraging neighborhood environmental responsibility. NatureScape Broward certifies landscapes across the county that meet criteria established by environmental quality regulations under the Resilient Environmental Department. Extremely important for local biodiversity preservation, these certified NatureScapes use indigenous plants to offer essential habitat for both native and migratory species.
For additional details about the 2025 NatureScape Emerald Awards or to get involved with NatureScape Broward, individuals and organizations can contact Anthony Gross at 954-519-1213 or explore the NatureScape Broward website for guidance on creating and maintaining Florida-Friendly landscapes.
Initiatives like NatureScape Broward and the Emerald Awards are vital in promoting a sustainable future as Broward County continues to grow and develop, hence all community stakeholders should actively support these environmentally progressive efforts.
