Thank you for pledging to be Fertilizer-Free for Manatees!

Will you encourage others to take the pledge?

Again, thank you for taking the pledge to be fertilizer-free, and scroll down for some additional tips on how you can protect manatees right at home.

sample email text

Hi,

I just signed Save the Manatee Club’s pledge to be Fertilizer-Free for Manatees. Will you join me?

You can take the pledge at https://www.savethemanatee.org/fertilizer-free.

Human-caused nutrient pollution in Florida’s waterways is a critical problem. It fuels repeated harmful algal blooms and directly contributes to habitat destruction. In the Indian River Lagoon, a critical manatee habitat, harmful algal blooms have destroyed huge quantities of native seagrass, resulting in the deaths by starvation of hundreds of manatees.

Join me in protecting habitat for manatees, other aquatic life, and for our own future generations by reducing human sources of pollution. Visit https://www.savethemanatee.org/fertilizer-free to take the pledge!

Thanks,

Household Tips for Protecting Manatees

AVOID FERTILIZER USE ON YOUR LAWN AND LANDSCAPE

Excess fertilizer presents a hazard to our waterways and in turn, our manatees. Fertilizer that is not taken up by plants runs off your property and into our waterways, creating algal blooms that kill seagrasses and harm manatees. Most established landscapes do not need fertilizer at all. If you suspect your lawn needs to be fertilized, get a soil test first. Your local Extension office can help.

Many counties and municipalities prohibit fertilizer use during Florida’s rainy season. Click here to learn more about your local fertilizer ordinances.

CONSERVE WATER

Did you know that more than half of our monthly water use is from irrigation and that many lawn issues (such as dollar weed and grass fungus) are caused by overwatering? Save your lawn and your money by cutting down on irrigation. Install a rain sensor or watch the weather and only turn on your system on when needed.

KEEP GRASS AND YARD DEBRIS OUT OF WATERWAYS, SWALES AND STREETS

Grass clippings contain nitrogen and phosphorus that can contribute to algal blooms in a similar way to fertilizers. Instead, keep them on your lawn and recycle those nutrients back into your soil.

FOLLOW FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING PRACTICES WHEREVER POSSIBLE

Florida Yards and Neighborhoods is a program aimed at helping Floridians have beautiful lawns while still protecting our waterways. It is based on 9 principles that can be used on any yard, large or small. See how they can be used in yours.