Carolina Yards: A Multifaceted Approach To Encouraging Environmentally Friendly Landscaping
Extension Education
Terasa Lott
District Extension Director
Clemson University Extension Service
Sumter
Abstract
Residential landscapes are an integral part of the environment. Thus, the management of these landscapes can have positive or negative impacts on local ecosystems. Carolina Yards was developed to assist South Carolinians in conserving water and making positive changes in the environmental quality of their yards, neighborhoods, and surrounding waterways by implementing twelve basic principles. Originally developed as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods by the University of Florida – IFAS in 1994, the program was first adapted for South Carolina in 2002 with the creation of the Carolina Yardstick Workbook (printed publication) and a CD of electronic resources. Over the years, the program has expanded to provide property owners with research-based information that empowers them to take action in their own landscapes. Highlights of this multifaceted approach to encouraging environmentally friendly landscaping include a formal yard certification program, a hybrid online course, electronic resources including a native plant database, and a demonstration site. To date, 824 people have successfully certified their Carolina Yards with representation in 41 out of 46 counties. The online course has had a total of 307 participants, with the Spring 2025 offering seeing the highest registration since it was launched. Future plans include the expansion of the yard certification program to include neighborhoods, HOA landscaping requirements, and non-residential sites, additional advertising through rack cards, updates to course content to reflect emerging research, and increased field day locations across the state.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Terasa Lott, Anaston Porter, Mallory Maher
-
Lott, T. District Extension Director, Clemson Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29150
-
Porter, A. Water Resources Agent, Clemson Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29671
-
Maher, M. Natural Resources Extension Associate, Clemson Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29670