Good and Green News & Updates |
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Celebrating Pollinators for National Pollinator Month! |
June is designated National Pollinators Month to bring attention to the importance of the relationship between pollinators and plants.
Did you know that the City of Sunrise is home to more than 250 certified wildlife habitats? These habitats serve as important pollinator-friendly spaces - and it's easy to create your own if you follow the 4 MUST HAVE's!
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Florida State Park Day Passes Available at Your Local Library |
Florida State Parks and Florida Public Libraries partnered to launch the Real Florida Reader Program, which provides Florida state park passes to public libraries throughout the state.
All residents are encouraged to apply for a library card and checkout a pass that provides free admission for up to eight people in a vehicle to one of more than 170 participating Florida state parks! It is also encouraged that patrons check out books about Florida's wildlife and natural resources. Head to a local library to check out a Florida State Park's pass today!
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Are You Ready to Get Outside and Help Tackle Litter? |
Litter cleanups are a great way to be active outdoors and get involved in the community. You don't have to drive to the beach to pick up trash, you can help remove roadway litter (that would likely end up in our waterways) closer to home. Hiatus Road from Oakland Park Boulevard to NW 44th Street is available. We are looking for a Sunrise based group, family, organization, or individual to adopt Hiatus Road through the Adopt-A-Street program. The program requires at least 4 cleanups per year - and to recognize the effort you will get a sign acknowledging your commitment on the street for all passersby to see. Cleanup materials and safety training are provided. There is no cost to apply or participate - so apply today!
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Florida Python Challenge is Back |
Iguanas aren't the only reptilian invaders in South Florida! Burmese pythons have been one of the most ecologically damaging invasive organisms in Florida. These snakes are considered a threat to native wildlife as they have been known to eat everything, from small mammals, to birds, to even alligators!
In an effort to combat the increasing number of these serpents, a competition was created. For the event, people are encouraged to search for and humanely euthanize the invasive pythons. Monetary prizes are awarded to those who catch the most and longest pythons. Registration for the competition is now open and the event will be held August 5-14.
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Corkystem passion-flower vine is a Florida native that is the host plant for the Gulf Fritillary, Julia Heliconian, and Zebra Longwing butterflies. |
Iguanas are Exotic Visitors, so why do they Thrive in South Florida? |
Originally introduced through the exotic pet trade, iguanas, as well as other species, have become invasive in Florida. Unfortunately, iguanas continue to thrive in South Florida for the following reasons:
- Warm, subtropical climate
- Ability to reproduce quickly with many offspring
- Ability to occupy a variety of habitats
- Few predators and little competition
- Ability to spread easily
- Lots of food availability
Three species of iguana have become established in south Florida: the common green iguana (Iguana iguana), the Mexican spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) and black spiny-tailed iguana (C. similis).
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Gardening for Wildlife Workshop Hosted for Pollinator Month |
Nothing makes an outdoor living space feel complete like wildlife - but what happens when wildlife becomes a nuisance? |
Good and Green hosted a Gardening for Wildlife workshop on June 15 at the Sunrise Senior Center in partnership with NatureScape Broward. We had 32 attendees who learned how they can create a wildlife-attracting garden at home, and got to take home native and Florida-friendly plants to help them get started!
Wildlife need food, water, cover, and nesting space. Add trees and plants that bear fruit and seed in your landscape. Plant flowers for butterflies, birds, and bees. Native plants are the best source of food for animals and insects. In a wildlife garden the plants are meant to be eaten (which is why its so important to not use pesticides).
But some wildlife - like iguanas have become garden pests. During the workshop, participants asked what to do about the iguanas ruining their gardens and destroying the habitats they've worked hard to create and enjoy. So we looked into the iguana issue to hopefully bring you some answers.
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Try Planting Iguana-Resistant Plants |
Iguanas are discouraged by plants with thick, tough, or waxy leaves. Try these plants in your garden to help deter iguanas:
- Milkweed
- Pentas (any color but pink)
- Crotons
- Oleanders
- Citrus
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Iguana Proofing Your Garden: Tips from FWC |
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides 4 main methods to stop iguanas from invading your yard with their:
Prevention
- Never intentionally feed iguanas
- If feeding a pet outside, clean up their food when they finish to prevent the unintentional feeding of iguanas
Exclusion
- Install sheet metal around trees to prevent iguanas from climbing up
- Protect plants with cages or screen enclosures
- Prevent iguanas from digging with the use of electric fencing and wire fence barriers
Deterrents
- Use a hose to spray the iguanas until they leave your property
- Play talk radio or music where iguanas tend to gather
- Use loud, startling noises to scare them off
- Install a "water scarecrow sprinkler" that automatically turns on when something enters your yard
Habitat Modification
- Remove protective cover that iguanas are observed using, such as rocks
- Build artificial nests for iguanas to use to reduce their need for digging burrows
- Avoid planting preferred iguana plants, such as hibiscus, roses, leafy green vegetables, squashes and melons - or take precautions to protect and cover those plants
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Besides harming plants and gardens, iguanas have also been found to eat the eggs of native bird and reptile species.
Additionally, iguanas have been observed taking over the burrows of the burrowing owl and gopher tortoise which are listed as threatened species. After discovering a burrow, an iguana will enter and possibly eat the eggs inside. It will displace any animals already living inside and take over the burrow for themselves. They may also lay their eggs in the burrow and then bury them, covering any uneaten eggs of the previous inhabitants.
Find out more about what Sunrise is doing to protect local Burrowing Owls
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Resources for Nuisance Wildlife |
Are iguanas still invading your yard? Even after trying to use the methods provided? Consider reaching out to a nuisance wildlife control operator to physically remove the iguanas from your property.
The FWC provides a registry for customers to search up operators in the area. Operators must follow all applicable rules and regulations concerning nuisance wildlife removal to be included in the list. The operators on the list are private businesses and customers should expect to be charged for removal services.
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