The Water Ambassador Program-Connecting Communities to Water

Lorna Bravo-UF/IFAS Extension Broward County

Florida's population is projected to grow by 6 million by 2030, significantly increasing water demand. If current trends continue, development-related water demand could double by 2070.1 Lawn and landscape irrigation is the most intensive water use in Florida. Broward County's extensive canal system (over 266 miles) makes it vulnerable to stormwater runoff and nutrient leaching, threatening water quality. The Water Ambassador Program, led by Lorna Bravo, UF/IFAS Broward County Urban Horticulture Agent, is an innovative initiative that combines Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training with advanced water conservation education. This program addresses critical environmental challenges in Broward County, Florida's second most populous and entirely urban county with 1.9 million residents.2

​Innovative Approach
  1. Research-Based Foundation: Collaboration with UF professor Dr. Laura Warner led to the development of the 'Connected to Water' scale, a novel tool for assessing water appreciation and protection efforts.3 The 2019 MGV class actively participated in this pilot project, benefiting from specialized water science modules. Surveys revealed that participants felt significantly more connected to water after completing the course. Building on this success, Lorna launched the ‘Water Ambassadors’ program. The program is a biennial initiative that was launched in 2020, 2022, and 2024 in Broward County.
  2. Water Ambassador Comprehensive Training: A 6-week course featuring: Educating on Water Trends: Site visits with local water conservation experts, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), as well as private visits to the Miccosukee tree islands. Introduction to Sustainable Landscapes: The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program, Soil & Water Science/Irrigation training. Cultivating Community Change: Promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration with 16 stakeholders. Encouraging water conservation and exploring Everglades tree islands with the Miccosukee tribe.
  3. Professional Certifications: Participants earn certifications in Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional (FFLCP), equipping them to become effective ambassadors of change.
Measurable Impacts Recognition and Future Plans

In 2024, the program earned two prestigious honors recognizing the impacts of the Water Ambassador Program: To address water quality and quantity issues in urban environments, residents must understand the various ways they interact with water. Building on its current success, the program is expanding with new workshops tailored for urban residents, further amplifying its reach and impact.

Conclusion

The Water Ambassador Program demonstrates a unique and effective approach to water conservation and sustainable landscaping in urban environments. By combining specialized training, community engagement, and measurable impacts, this program stands out as an innovative solution to pressing environmental challenges in Florida.
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1Zwick, P.D., and M. Carr. Florida 2060, a population distribution scenario for the State of Florida, 2006, Prepared for 1000 Friends of Florida. https://1000friendsofflorida.org/florida2070
2 Florida Legislature, Office of Economic and Demographic Research http://edr.state.fl.us/Content/population-demographics/data/2019_Pop_Estimates.pdf
3 Integrating “Connectedness to Water” into Water-Related Extension Programs https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication