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Florida-Friendly Landscaping / Go Native

Go Native ffl_logo


The City of Cape Coral is surrounded by water on three sides. Additionally, the City includes over 150 linear miles of saltwater canals and over 250 linear miles of freshwater canals. The environmental health and appearance of these waterways are very much dependent upon the quality of the water that drains from our yards and landscaping. The quality of this water can be improved through the implementation of environmentally friendly landscaping and landscape maintenance techniques. Communicating these techniques to residents, and encouraging their implementation are the goals of the Florida Friendly Landscaping Program. 

Bush_House_2005_02_04_signThe Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Program is a partnership between the landscape industry, the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Florida's National Estuary Programs, Florida's Sea Grant College Program, and various State and local environmental agencies.

The Go Native program focuses specifically on Cape Coral landscapes, as they are the connecting link to area estuaries, rivers, lakes, aquifers, and the City's canal system.

The Florida Friendly Landscaping and Go Native Programs adhere to basic principles that, if implemented properly, are designed to reduce the adverse impacts of a yard on water quality. Each principle contains a series of actions that landowners can take to improve the environmental health of their yards and the health of the waterways these yards drain to.  The principles encourage landscape changes to
require less water and other chemicals, while promoting more wildlife.

Click here to view the Upcoming Florida Friendly Landscaping Classes

 

  • zebra_longwing_butterflyPlant choice and care
  • Irrigation, Fertilization and Pest Control
  • Managing Stormwater runoff to decrease impacts on the waterfront
  • Mulching and recycling
  • Making a place for Wildlife

FYNU_yard_tours_bush_2006_03_18

Area residents are invited to attend classes and receive training materials on the principles. Introductory classes are offered regularly at Rotary Park and other locations throughout the year.  Yard Tours are offered in March and September. Home Garden Design Classes are offered in April, and Rain Barrel classes are offered in April and July. Native plant sales are held in conjunction with the Rain Barrel classes. Depending on the type of class, there may be an associated cost. 


FFL 9 Principles

  • Friday, November 7, 2025 -- 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 
  • Friday, April 24, 2026 -- 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 

Yard Tours  -- $15 per person

(Ideas and inspiration from others. Requires advance registration.) 

  • Saturday, November 8, 2025  -- 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Home Garden Design--$20 per household 

(Series of classes: do-it-yourself landscape design. Requires advance registration)

  • Coming in April, 2026      9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  (2-week class)

Rain Barrel Workshop  -- $50 each

  • Check back for upcoming workshops

Native Plant Sale

  • Check back for upcoming plant sales

Most classes are held at Rotary Park in Southwest Cape Coral, 5505 Rose Garden Road.  For directions, or to register for classes, call (239) 549-4606.