Green Works Orlando Green Updates

January 2011

January 7

City Helps Preserve Endangered Plant

On December 14, the City of Orlando collaborated with Bok Tower Gardens to reintroduce the endangered Scrub Lupine plant at the City’s Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake. More than 400 Scrub Lupines were planted. Because Bill Frederick Park has sandy, open areas that are necessary for the plant to survive, the park will be instrumental in preserving the plant.

Scrub Lupine is found in the Winter Haven and Mount Dora ridges in Central Florida. Out of 45 documented populations prior to 2002, only eight remained by 2008. Commercial and residential development have replaced Scrub Lupine populations and their scrub habitat.

The rare Scrub Lupine was first observed at Bill Frederick Park in 1989 but has not been seen there since 1998. Bok Tower Gardens worked with the Families, Parks and Recreation Department to determine that a population reintroduction will likely succeed.

January 14

Fallen Leaves Bad News for City Lakes

An unusually high accumulation of fallen leaves this year has put a burden on the City’s leaf removal systems and threatens the City’s lakes with excessive nutrients.

Leaves, acorns, grass clippings and other debris contain high concentrations of the nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen. These two nutrients are the most common cause of pollution in urban lakes. Although some storm drain outfalls have pollution control devices installed that filter out some of this pollution, most curbside stormwater drains carry runoff directly to a lake.

To help our lakes, bag your leaves, grass clippings and other small pieces of yard waste and dispose of them on your yard-waste pickup day. Even better, start compost pile or invest in a mulching blade for your mower. Do not mow, sweep, or blow leaves and other yard waste into the street. Keep curbside drains and gutters free of debris. If you have a lawn service, please be sure they comply as well.

To reduce pollution in our lakes, remember "only rain down the drain." The City of Orlando has enacted codes prohibiting the discharge of debris into any street. Call the Stormwater Hotline at 407.246.2370 if you wish to report any suspected illicit discharge or dumping into a City lake or storm drain.