What is NatureScape Emerald Award?
The NatureScape Emerald Award recognizes businesses, municipalities, schools, government facilities (excluding Broward County agencies) and homeowners.
The NatureScape Emerald Award recognizes exemplary NatureScape landscaping practices that are Florida friendly and support wildlife; or entries that have completed exceptional projects demonstrateing visible ecological practices (e.g., non-cypress mulch, rain barrels, composting).
2026 Emerald Award Applications
If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact Anthony Gross at
NatureScape@broward.org. Winners will be recognized at the Annual
Water Matters Day event held March 14th, 2026 at Tree Tops Park.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION:
Friday, December 19, 2025, by 5pm
How It Works
Round One - Committee evaluates and scores landscapes for the following: overall design, plant selection, curb appeal, tree canopy, wildlife habitat/habitat value and other special features - smart irrigation, for example. Highest scores advance to second round.
Round Two - Judges score landscapes and select award winners. Award-winning landscapes typically have mostly local-native vegetation supporting local and migratory wildlife, ecological features such as littoral planting at water's edge and rain gardens.
SPECIAL NOTE: Landscapes that have
FLEPPC Category 1 or Category 2 invasive species are not eligible.
Categories
- Homeowner
- Business
- Municipality/School/Government
- Special Achievement
- Legacy (for Emerald Award winners that have continued to maintain a sustainable landscape and/or have enhanced landscape for five or more years.)
- Landscape Architects, architectural design firms and landscape designers are encouraged to submit projects that incorporate UF/IFAS Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Florida-Friendly principles for single-family residences, multi-family, new construction, large properties, and existing communities. See FFL Florida-Friendly resources and guidance for professionals
HERE.
In order to qualify, your project must be recognized by UF/IFAS FFL program and/or NWF Garden for Wildlife. Landscapes that exceed 50% native plant requirement will be awarded extra points by judges.
