The Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department recognized several local businesses, government agencies and residents for their outstanding environmentally-responsible practices. Each winner received an Emerald Award trophy or a NatureScape Stepping Stone for their exceptional efforts in protecting the environment.

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners presented trophies to the winners at a special ceremony; followed by a brief reception:
Tuesday, April 29, 2 p.m.
Broward County Governmental Center
Broward County Commission Chambers, Room 422
115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale

The winners were:

NatureScape Broward Trophy Winners

Sue Reed
Laurie Schecter
City of Pembroke Pines Utilities Department
Mary Help of Christians Church
Oakland Park City Hall

This is an example of the NatureScapeStepping Stone awarded to NatureScape Broward Trophy Winners

To learn more about the NatureScape Broward Trophy Winners' accomplishments and their winning categories,view their case studies below.

Category: Homeowner

Sue and Lonnie Reed
Plantation, Florida

District 7 John E. Rodstrom, Jr. presents the Emerald Award Certificate and NatureScape Broward Stepping Stone to homeowners Sue and Lonnie Reed of Plantation.

Sue and Lonnie Reed have created a beautifully landscaped residential yard with a combination of design elements, using brick pathways, stones, arbors, and interesting artwork. Visitors need to walk slowly so they do not miss anything. If you want to sit down, take your choice of 5 different seating areas. These cozy places are as welcoming as can be, adorned with fragrant herbs and colorful flowers. A certified wildlife habitat, the Reed's yard provides all the needs of wildlife; food, shelter, water, and places to raise young.

Their landscape environmental achievements include:

• Yard maintained without pesticides or fertilizers
• No irrigation used for over 2 ½ years
• Attractive blend of native and drought tolerant plants
• Wildlife habitat for many species of birds and butterfly

	Poolside view
	Seating area surrounded by herbs and butterfly plants
	Brick front walkway welcomes visitors

Category:Homeowner

Laurie Schecter
Hollywood, Florida

District 6 County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger presents the Emerald Award Certificate and NatureScape Broward Stepping Stone to homeowner Laurie Schecter and landscaper Greg Philips.

Laurie Schecter and Gary Issacson have a most interesting and delightful yard - right on the beach in Hollywood! After suffering damage from Hurricane Wilma several years ago, they decided to take the opportunity to restore the yard to a natural landscape. They hired landscaper Greg Philips to install rare and endangered native coastal species, reestablish seaside planting on the dunes, and restore the native tree canopy. Much work has gone into the removal of exotic species and the re-establishment of pollinators and other wildlife habitat. It is truly a remarkable restoration effort and the Emerald Award Team is thrilled to recognize Laurie, Gary, and Greg as Emerald Award Winners.

Their landscape environmental achievements include:

• All native beachfront landscape
• Including rare and endangered species
• Dune plantings re-established
• Plants chosen to attract native insects & pollinators

	Creative artwork disguises utility areas
	Gravel front path lined with rocks and seashells.
	Dunes planting help prevent beach erosion and protect nesting grounds for sea turtles
	Pathway leading to beach

Category: Municipality/Government/School
City of Oakland Park City Hall

District 4 Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl presents the Emerald Award Certificate and NatureScape Broward Stepping Stone to City of Oakland Park representatives from left: Commissioner Suzanne Boisvenue, Commissioner Alegra Webb Murphy, Brian Hopper-Parks Superintendent, Charles Livio -Horticulturist, Jenna LaFleur - Director Parks and Leisure Services and Commissioner Ken Keechl

Oakland Park, Florida has come a long way since its incorporation in 1929. Today, nearly 43,000 residents enjoy a quality of life that combines cherished small town values with a vigorous new town spirit to make a safe, friendly haven for families to live and grow. Wonderful parks, outstanding recreational opportunities, top-rated public and private schools, excellent medical facilities, world-class restaurants, convenient shopping…Oakland Park has it all!

The Oakland Park City Hall's landscaping achievements include:

• Beautiful example of Florida-friendly landscaping
• Replaced all turf grass with drought tolerant plants
• Wildlife features for birds and butterflies
• Rest areas for employees to enjoy the outdoors
  

For more information, contact:
Charles Livio, Horticulturist
Oakland Park City Hall
3650 NE 12 Avenue
Oakland Park, FL 33334
954-630-4511
Web site: http://oaklandparkfl.org

Email: CharlesL@oaklandparkfl.org

	Oakland Park City Hall
	Native landscape continues across the parking lot
	Charles Livio in one of the garden areas

Category: Special Achievement
Mary Help of Christians Church

From left: District 3 Vice Mayor Stacy Ritter presents the Emerald Award Certificate and NatureScape Broward Stepping Stone to Mary Help of Christians representatives Carol A. Zeglen and Father Thomas Wisniewski.

Located on 24 acres in the city of Parkland, South Florida, Mary Help Of Christians serves Parkland, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, and nearby communities. The Land Stewardship Committee for Mary Help of Christians Church began in 1994 shortly after the Archdiocese acquired the present grounds. It is composed of members of the parish that share both the faith and a deep abiding love of the land as well as the creatures and plants upon it. Working from the central theme of their faith, this group has assisted the pastor during the negotiations for purchase of the land and eventually were instrumental in the layout of the infrastructure and landscape palette and design.

Mary Help of Christians landscaping achievements include:

• 24 acres campus of restored natural landscaping
• 192 species of plants, mostly native
• Habitat for foxes, rare butterflies and songbirds
• Teaching gardens and spiritual gardens
• Maintained by Volunteer Land Stewardship Committee

For more information, contact:
Paul Gore, Land Stewardship Director
Mary Help of Christians Church
5980 University Drive
Parkland, FL 33067
954-323-8012
Web site: www.mhoc.org

	Paul Gore receives NatureScape Certified Yard Sign from Diana Guidry
	The Hammock has restored wildlife habitat for many native species. Pictured here is a foxes den
	Signage reflecting the care and pride in the restoration and protection of nature.

Category: Special Achievement
City of Pembroke Pines Utility Department

District 8 Broward County Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin,Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler and District 6 County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger present the Emerald Award Certificate and NatureScape Broward Stepping Stone to theCity of Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis, and Skip Kiebler,Assistant City Manager.

NatureScape Broward is proud to recognize the staff at the City of Pembroke Pines Public Works. They are dedicated leaders in the effort to preserve and protect our water resources. Always willing partners, they have participated in many projects and working groups to reduce water consumption, improve water quality, and protect the Everglades.

The City'srecognition andachievements include:

• Active participants in:
  • Water Demonstration Projects
  • Everglades Working Group
  • Working Water Solutions Workshop
  • NatureScape Broward program
• Implemented irrigation improvements to save over 35 million gallons of water over 2 years.

For more information, contact:

Skip Kiebler, Assistant City Manager
City of Pembroke Pines
Utilities Department
10100 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
954-431-4884
Web site: www.ppines.com
Email: gkeibler@ppines.com

	NatureScape certified 4 parks in Pembroke Pines. Pictured here are Dean Combs, Mark Pinkett, and Jack Ursoleo.
	Partnering with Robert Carew from the NatureScape Irrigation Service are Jack Ursoleo and Ed Bylica