Pollution Prevention & Remediation Division

Case Studies of 2007 Emerald Award Trophy NatureScape Broward Logo Winners in the NatureScape Broward Category

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

 photo of naturescape stepping stone awarded to trophy winners This is an example of the NatureScape Stepping 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

photo of Sue and Lonnie Reed receiving recognition from Commissioner Rodstrom  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
 Photo of Sue Reed's back yard by the pool Poolside view
 photo of seating area in Sue Reed's back yard Seating area surrounded by herbs and butterfly plants
 Photo of walkway to Sue Reed's front door Brick front walkway welcomes visitors

 


Return to the Emerald Award Program main page


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. 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


 photo of creative artwork used to disquise utility areas in Laurie Schecter's back yard. Creative artwork disguises utility areas
Gravel front path lined with rocks and seashells.
 photo of front path of Laurie Schecter's home in Hollywood, Florida
 Photo of dune planting to help prevent erosion Dunes planting help prevent beach erosion and protect nesting grounds for sea turtles
Pathway leading to beach  photo of a path leading to the beach


 



Return to the Emerald Award Program main page


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

 District 4 Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl presents the Emerald Award Certificate and NatureScape Broward Stepping Stone to City of Oakland Park representatives 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

 Photo of the City of Oakland Park City Hall Oakland Park City Hall
   Photo of native landscaping across from a parking lot Native landscape continues across the parking lot
   Photo of Charles Livio in one of the garden areas Charles Livio in one of the garden areas

 


Return to the Emerald Award Program main page


Category:  Special Achievement
Mary Help of Christians Church

Mary Help of Christians logo

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.  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
 

photo of Paul Gore receiving a NatureScape Certified Yard Sign from Diana Guidry  Paul Gore receives NatureScape Certified Yard Sign from Diana Guidry
 photo of a fox den at Mary Help of Christians Church property The Hammock has restored wildlife habitat for many native species.  Pictured here is a foxes den
 Photo of a sign at Mary Help of Christians Signage reflecting the care and pride in the restoration and protection of nature.




Return to the Emerald Award Program main page


Category:  Special Achievement
City of Pembroke Pines Utility Department

City of Pembroke Pines logo

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 City of Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis, and Skip Kiebler, Assistant City Manager.   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 the City 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's recognition and achievements 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

 

 Photo of a balfield in Pembroke Pines 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 Orsoleo and Ed Bylica Partnering with Robert Carew from the NatureScape Irrigation Service are Jack Ursoleo and Ed Bylica
 Signs were posted at Flamingo Park, a Water Demonstration Site for Broward County Signs were posted at Flamingo Park, a Water Demonstration Site for Broward County

 


Return to the Emerald Award Program main page