Abstract
Florida’s population is projected to grow by six million people by 2030, with development-related water demand expected to double by 2070. In Broward County—a urban county of 1.9 million residents with more than 266 miles of canals—lawn and landscape irrigation is the largest single water use and a major driver of runoff and nutrient leaching. This case study presents the Water Ambassador Program, a community-based initiative that integrates Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training, behavior-change research, and professional certification to reduce outdoor water use and promote sustainable landscaping. In collaboration with University of Florida researchers, the program piloted the “Connected to Water” scale to measure shifts in participants’ attitudes toward water appreciation and protection, then built a six‑week curriculum around water science, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, and field-based learning with regional water agencies and tribal partners. Participants earn Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI‑BMP) and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional credentials, positioning them as “urban water stewards” within their communities. Since 2020, 35 MGVs have completed Water Ambassador training; 23 obtained GI‑BMP certification and 24 became FFL Certified Professionals. Ambassadors have educated 402 households, conducted 62 landscape inspections across 16 cities, and facilitated 38 certified Florida-Friendly landscapes. Program evaluation estimates 8.5 million gallons in annual potable water savings through irrigation efficiency and landscape retrofits. Recognized with a national Innovative Program Achievement Award in 2025, the Water Ambassador model demonstrates how research-informed training and community partnerships can deliver measurable urban water savings and landscape transformation, with strong potential for adaptation in other rapidly urbanizing regions.
Presenters
Lorna BravoUrban Horticulture Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension Broward County, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Water Conservation, Urban Landscapes, Community-Based Programs, Master Gardener Volunteers, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Behavior Change, Environmental Education, Participatory Process, Sustainable Landscaping, Residential Irrigation
