I’ve recently learned about an amazing program available in Hillsborough County: the Adopt-A-Pond program. This county-sponsored program free guidance and resources to communities looking to clean up and landscape their local stormwater ponds.
What I find incredible about this program is that it doesn’t just send you printed materials and advice. They actually send experts to meet with your group to help you create specific plans for improving your pond. Then, (this is the best part!) they provide plants and other materials – free! – and help your group as you landscape the pond to improve your community.
In return, the community must make a commitment to participate fully in the on-going maintenance of the pond. My own community in the Plantation area near Carrollwood has recently begun to participate in the project, with the enthusiastic support of the property and maintenance managers, as well as the HOA. In August, we’ll begin planting to shore up banks against erosion and create new wildlife habitat around our pond.
There’s a benefit to the county in such a program, which must be why it can continue to be funded in tough economic times. Stormwater ponds, when properly maintained, help eliminate flooding in communities. They also clean stormwater runoff before it can reach the bay. And waterfront properties consistently have higher property values, especially when the risk of flooding is low or non-existent.
If you think your community might be eligible for this project, check out the very informative Adopt-A-Pond website. There you can see pictures of ponds that participate in the project, review the resource materials, and learn more about the program requirements and criteria.
Though this program is only available in Hillsborough County, it’s worth supporting. Help make sure that some of your tax dollars go to work directly in your community! Build an ecosystem you and your neighbors can be proud of, and reap the benefits of abundant wildlife and higher property values.
