Annual water conservation event set

Broward County’s Water Matters Day is returning to southwest Broward for its 12th incarnation.

The event, which is co- sponsored by municipalities like Cooper City and Davie, runs from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. March 8 at Tree Tops Park, 3900 SW 100th Ave. in Davie. Although the event is free, the park’s $ 1.50 weekend admission fee will be in effect. The event has grown over the years and attracted about 3,700 visitors in 2013, said Rudy Rudolph, a county water planning program manager.

“It’s pretty consistent, but it depends on what other activities are going on, plus the weather,” Rudolph said.

The goal of Water Matters Day is to promote water conservation through various methods. About 50 percent of potable water is used for landscape irrigation. Although water restrictions have led to a drop in consumption countywide, Rudolph thinks Water Matters deserves some credit.

“We continue to spread the message on water conservation,” he said.

Conservation can take many forms, including hardware changes ( like more- efficient toilets) or behavioral changes ( like turning off the faucet while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving). Landscaping also plays a role, with native plant species that require less water available in giveaways at the event. There will also be giveaways for an irrigation system, along with rain barrels that homeowners can use to catch rainwater for landscaping.

Rudolph said rain barrels have caught on with homeowners in recent years.

“It wasn’t something you would see in the big box stores, but now you can go into Home Depot and get them,” he said.

Native plant species will be the focus of NatureScape’s Emerald Awards ceremony at 9 a. m. during Water Matters. The annual award is given to homes, businesses and schools/ government entities that create Florida-- friendly landscapes using native plants. One of the special achievement winners is “The Secret Garden” created by Lisa Sigel-baum and Vicki Mills at Century Village in Pembroke Pines. The pair previously won a city butterfly garden award in 2013.

“They created a wildlife garden that came together beautifully,” said Diana Guidry, NatureScape coordinator. “It’s a wonderful addition to the landscape, and they’re even hosting weddings there.”

Rudolph said Water Matters Day would also feature exhibits and workshops covering conservation tips.

For more information, visit Broward.org/watermatters.