Environmental Council Blog - Communities

Developer's use of nature earns recognition

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:19:00-0400

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

Satellite irrigation program at Mediterra saving water, money

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:56:00-0400

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/

Hats Off to Model Employee for "Doing the Right Thing"

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:21:00-0400

William Thomas, Community Patrol Manager at Mediterra rescued a bald eagle that was found shot in North Naples and sent it to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC), weighing only 4 pounds, half the weight of a normal bald eagle. The bald eagle was treated for a severely fractured right leg due to a gunshot wound, but was unable to recover from its injury and is now at rest. William Thomas, "Did the Right Thing" by transporting the bald eagle to the WRC. If an injured animal is found please do not hesitate to bring it into the WRC or call 239.262.CARE. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was built to handle 500 animals per year and is currently treating over 2,400 annually, releasing almost half back into their native habitats. Annual operating expenses exceed $250,000, so donations are always appreciated. To learn more about the conservancy visit www.conservancy.org.

Kirk Kirkland Recipient of 2007 Green Start Academy

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:20:00-0400

Shadow Wood Country Club's Kirk Kirkland was selected as a recipient for the 2007 Green Start Academy. Kirk was selected as one of approximately 50 recipients, from a total applicant pool of nearly 1000 individuals. Selection was based on completing one of several essay topics, as well as recommendations from the individual's supervisor. Kirk's essay, "A Typical Day on the Golf Course", was both insightful and very well written. The Green Start Academy is a two-day educational and networking event which took place September 27th-28th in North Carolina at the Bayer Environmental Science Training and Development Center in Clayton and John Deere's Turf Care factory in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. Green Start Academy offers an opportunity for assistants to further their careers by learning about best management practices and innovative products, meeting industry experts and networking with peers.

Mediterra Testing Satellite-Controlled Irrigation System

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:52:00-0400

By Mary Briggs, Corporate Public Relations Director Question: How do you maintain a vibrant, healthy lawn without wasting water for irrigation? Answer: Toro's IntelliSense system! For the first time in Southwest Florida, Toro has installed its satellite-controlled irrigation system at seven private homes in Mediterra for an 18-month test period that will compare water usage at the test sites to similarly sized lawns and landscaping using traditional methods. Lawns in London Bay's Lucarno neighborhood will now be watered according to data from a satellite weather station that measures humidity, wind and cloud conditions, then directs the system to provide only the water that's needed for that particular grouping of plants - conserving water and helping the plants remain healthy.