these Ocean Friendly Gardens are protecting clean water, supporting biodiversity with Florida native plants, and adding climate resilience to our landscapes
nature-based solutions for stormwater pollution
Our Space Coast Surfrider Chapter, in partnership with the Florida Wildflower Foundation and Viva Florida program, has hosted a series of transformative bioswale plantings in Indialantic as part of the nationwide Ocean Friendly Gardens program. These inspiring projects are turning ordinary turf-grass swales into thriving havens of Florida native plants and wildflowers that naturally soak up extra rainwater and filter polluted runoff.
Florida native plants
These native plants and their robust root systems create a natural filter underground, sponging up nutrients and pollution that can contribute to poor water quality.
Native plants are the foundation of healthy ecosystems and uniquely adapted to our local conditions. By restoring native plants to our urban and suburban areas, we can boost biodiversity and support vibrant, thriving, interconnected habitats for wildlife.
The Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG) program advocates for the use of nature-based solutions to protect clean water and support resilient coastlines. The OFG program encourages the using native plants to restore habitat and filter runoff, shaping the ground to capture stormwater, and reducing the pollution caused by traditional landscaping.
