Good and Green News & Updates |
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Free Online Rain Barrel Workshop on Tuesday, June 1, at 6:30 pm hosted by Broward County Extension |
Attendees will be able to order and purchase rain barrels at the end for $55 each fully assembled. The sale of rain barrels helps provide scholarships for people to become Master Gardeners in Broward.
You'll be able to learn about the importance and use of rain barrels, purchase a rain barrel if interested, and support the local Master Gardener program all at once!
By installing a rain barrel you can save on your water bill by reducing the use of treated water for irrigation which also helps to preserve our groundwater resources.
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May is Air Quality Awareness Month in Broward County |
We all have an effect on the air we breathe by making choices about our daily activities; from driving our cars, to mowing our lawns, to our use of electricity.
We are all responsible for protecting and preserving the air quality - not just in May! For example, we can all make transportation choices for cleaner air, and learn about ozone and what can be done to prevent its formation. Small things like turning out your lights when you leave a room and keeping your car tuned properly can make a big difference in preserving and protecting the quality of the air we breathe.
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Groups Celebrated Earth Day by Picking up Litter |
Adopt-A-Street groups Right Way Plumbing Co., Yoga Kendra, Sara Perry Personal Training, and Sunrise Sustainability Advisory Board held cleanups throughout the month of April to restore our planet as part of the international Earth Day and The Great Global Cleanup Day initiative. Whether it's a lot or a little, every piece of litter picked up makes a difference!
Picture right: Sunrise Sustainability Advisory Board volunteers pose at their Adopt-A-Street sign on NW 44 Street on 4/22 (Earth Day!). The volunteers removed 6 pounds of litter.
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You Can Keep Mosquitoes Away Without Harming Pollinators |
When Pest Comes to Shove is a feature article in the National Wildlife Federation Magazine that talks about alternatives for getting rid of mosquitoes while still protecting pollinators. Some alternatives to spraying insecticides that the article mentions include:
- Keep track of anything and everything that can hold water
- Use mosquito dunks that contain Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) a natural bacterium that will kill the larvae when they hatch
- Clean out your bird bath completely every 2-3 days
- Add pumps to your water features
- Protect yourself with long sleeves and pants or mosquito repellent (especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active)
- Use fans where you regularly sit outside
- Plant native plants - wildlife gardeners tend to have fewer mosquito problems
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Sunrise Digs in Working with Project Perch |
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Pictured above: Paul Kragh, Owl Guardian and Project Perch Coordinator, next to the Project Perch display at the Sunrise Earth Day Green To Go event. |
Our Good and Green Owl-Friendly Recommendations |
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Read Buffy the Burrowing Owl, check out our Virtual Storytime
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Watch the movie Hoot
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Color the Dig in to Sunrise Earth Day Coloring Sheet
- Plant Florida native plants in your yard, create pollinator-friendly spaces
- Reduce your use of pesticides and fertilizers in your yard
- View owls with care – always stay at least 20 feet away
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Did you know that Burrowing Owls are a protected species? |
Burrowing Owls vanished from some parts of their former range in Florida, and the state listed them as a threatened species in 2017.
Fortunately, their quirky expressions and behaviors have won over the hearts of many, increasing conservation efforts to help preserve their habitat.
Burrowing Owls are quite unique and interesting. Of the 171 owl species worldwide, burrowing owls are the only ones to live underground. They are also one of the smallest owls at 7-11 inches tall. The have long legs, bright yellow eyes with a broad, white eyebrow, and spend most of their time on the ground or on low perches.
Project Perch, a program of the South Florida Audubon Society, works with cities, community organizations, associations, schools, and businesses to provide burrows, owl-friendly fencing, educational and protective signage, and come to the aid of burrowing owls wherever they are in trouble. The program started back in 2008 and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers.
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- Volunteer with Project Perch to be an Owl Guardian by emailing ProjectPerch@SouthFloridaAudubon.com with the subject "Volunteer"
- Adopt An Owl through Project Perch to help with owl conservation by emailing ProjectPerch@SouthFloridaAudubon.com with the subject "Adoptions"
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Project Perch participated in the Sunrise Earth Day Green To Go event with an OWLtastic display and art contest.Thank you to all the young community members who showed how much they give a hoot by sending in their owl-inspired artwork! Below are the Sunrise Earth Day Green To Go Grand Prize Winners:
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Local Artist: Ava D.
Age 6, Sunrise
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Local Artist: Anushka B.
Age 10, Sunrise
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Local Artist: Sofia R.
Age 6, Sunrise
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Local Artist: Ariadna G.
Age 10, Sunrise
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Local Artist: Tiziano G.
Age 6, Sunrise
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Local Artist: Juliana H.
Age 9, Cooper City
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Local Artist: Maximo A.
Age 6, Sunrise
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Local Artist: Lucas D.
Age 5, Sunrise
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Local Artist: Kate T.
Age 8, Sunrise
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