BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 NatureScape Emerald Awards. This annual Broward County program recognizes homeowners, governments, business/commercial properties, schools and other groups that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts to promote or implement environmentally-friendly programs and principles.

NatureScape yards are designed to improve the environment by: -Conserving water by reducing lawn areas and using native and Florida-friendly landscaping -Providing food, water and shelter for wildlife -Using the least toxic pest control practices -Reducing storm-water runoff contaminated by pesticides and fertilizers -Recycling yard waste into mulch and com- post .

Applications are due by December 31. To qualify, yards must be recognized as a Florida-Friendly Landscape through the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program and/or be certified as a Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. Winners will be selected in February and recognized at an awards ceremony March 11, 2017.

For an application or more information, call 954-519-0317 or visit Broward.org/NatureScape.