Green infrastructure is an interconnected system of natural areas and natural services that conserves ecosystem values, helps sustain clean air and water, and provides benefits to people and wildlife.
Green infrastructure is flexible, resilient, and allows a local
government to make the most of limited public dollars and achieve multiple
goals with a single investment. While typical green infrastructure practices focus on protecting
water quality, green infrastructure has the ability to achieve co-benefits such
as improved public health, better quality of life, and economic development.
For example:
·
Bioswales provide excellent stormwater protection
to streets, homes and businesses.
·
Trees provide shade, clean the air we breathe,
and increase property values.
·
Greenways provide opportunities for physical
activity and stress reduction in the urban realm.
·
Beach dunes protect coastal communities from
storm surge and sand erosion, and provide animals with habitat.
·
The sun powers all natural systems, and could
power our built environment, while dark night skies are important for wildlife
and support our energy efficiency initiatives.
The
Map Series below can be used in support of preliminary planning exercises and
coordination regarding the enhancement of resources within Broward County. If you wish to receive a copy of an element/s in this series, please contact the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division at the number below.
NatureScape Certified nature and wildlife habitat yards
Solar Energy Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal installations
Food Deserts Areas where there is little access to healthy fresh food
Night Sky Night brightness and average night radiance
For more information or high resolution versions of the above maps, contact the Environmental Planning and
Community Resilience Division of Broward County at
954-519-1270. For program
specific information and volunteer opportunities, check out our
NatureScape
Broward,
Beach
and Marine, and Energy &
Sustainability pages.