The National Association of Home Builders has cited Bonita Bay Group as an example of a developer using nature to enhance the lifestyles of its communities in two of its national publications.

The article, published in the online Nation's Building News and the current issue of Sales + Marketing Ideas magazine, shares information about the trails, bike paths, neighborhood parks, gardens and paddling trails that help residents connect with nature in their own backyards.

You can read the whole story at this link:
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080831/NEWS0102/808310353/1004/ACC

A pair of Bonita Springs eagles will soon have new neighbors: residents of Bonita Bay's latest development. The Bonita Springs City Council decided Wednesday not to appeal a state decision allowing construction near a historic eagle's nest. "I think it may be a little late in the game," said Mayor Ben Nelson. The decision ends more than a year of appeals between the city and Bonita Bay, which plans to build homes within 300 feet of the nest.

To read more go to: http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080824/NEWS0102/808240367/1075

A satellite-controlled irrigation system at Mediterra is showing promising results, using up to 80 percent less water than conventional irrigation and saving money on household water bills. The project, launched last year, is comparing the amount of water used by Toro Irrigation's weather-based IntelliSense system to traditional timer-controlled irrigation in the Lucarno villa neighborhood at Mediterra.

Just seven months into the 18-month pilot study, the Toro system has saved 1.23 million gallons of water on seven test properties compared to seven similarly sized and landscaped control sites, according to Dennis Cafaro, general manager of Resource Conservation Systems, a Bonita Bay Group company that provides non-potable water to master-planned communities.

You can read the whole story at this link: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/aug/23/satellite-irrigation-program-mediterra-saving-wate/

A bald eagle whose broken wing was successfully treated at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was released into the wild Thursday at Mediterra, the Bonita Bay Group development in which the injured bird was found. The release comes after a dramatic rescue Feb. 7 by the Conservancy and Mediterra employees and residents and almost five months of recovery at the rehabilitation center. Now, almost five months after the bird's ordeal began, it is healthy and free to resume its normal life. Bonita Bay Group is developing Mediterra with the same commitment to meticulous planning, environmental stewardship, integrity and attention to detail that is evident at its flagship community, Bonita Bay.

Earth Day is a Birthday!! Just like a birthday is a special day to celebrate a person, Earth Day is a special day that celebrates the Earth. Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970, in San Francisco, California. Every year, America and over 100 different countries join together in the celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd. Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. On Earth Day, we remember to appreciate nature and learn ways to protect our environment. Find ways that you can help keep the planet clean and help protect our environment!

We are custodians of the land and the community. We care about the environment.

• Be knowledgeable about conservation efforts by BBG and your community. Discuss them with customers who express interest.
• Remember that many of nature's creatures can be found in our communities and that this is their home too. Be aware of any endangered species within your community, and your role in protecting them.
• Practice personal environmental stewardship by recycling and conserving water whenever possible. Do your part – every little bit helps.

Mulch is a protective covering, usually of organic matter such as leaves, shredded wood or pine straw, placed around plants. Mulch can significantly reduce the moisture evaporation from the soil because it reduces the soil's exposure to wind. The insulating quality of mulch aids in keeping soil cooler in the summer. For more information visit; www.gomulch.com.

Birdfest is the kickoff of a two-month-long celebration of birds in Lee County Parks and Conservation 20/20 Preserves. The islands of Lakes Park will be teeming with anhinga, great egrets, little blue herons, tricolored herons and white ibis at various stages of mating, nest building, and raising young. Canoe tours, guided land tours, tips on nature photography and backyard habitat will be offered, 7:30a.m.-noon, free admission. Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr., south Ft. Myers. Birdpatrol.org

The Orange River was one of Florida's first rivers to be officially meandered by state surveyors documenting navigable waterways. In pioneer days it was commercially important as a shipping lane for the citrus industry, from which its name was derived. These days the Orange is known for the power plant effluent that attracts manatees, snook, and tarpon to its unnaturally warm waters.

Friday Paddle: Lee County Park & Recreation is offering a new, one-way paddling tour on the Orange River, from Buckingham Road downstream to Manatee Park. A short paddling clinic at 8:30am will be followed by a caravan to the launch point four miles up the river, for a three-hour paddle back to the park. Only $35.00.

More info: Call 690-5030

It is not too late to celebrate Florida Hiking Trails Month, in fact we are entering the best time of the year to hike in Florida; the trails are the driest and mosquitoes are the scarcest.

1. Black Island Trail
2. Bowditch Point Regional Park Walking Trails
3. Buckingham Community Park Trails
4. Catfish Creek Trail
5. Cayo Costa State Park Hiking Trails
6. Estero Bay Preserve State Park Hiking Trails
7. Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
8. Gasparilla Island State Park Hiking Trails
9. Koreshan State Historic Site Hiking Trails
10. Little Pine Island High Marsh Trail
11. Lovers Key State Park Hiking Trails
12. North Colonial Linear Park
13. Old Datsun Trail
14. Three Oaks Park Walking Path