ScottsMiracle-Gro embraces its responsibility to lead in protecting Florida’s waterways. We sponsor water quality research and innovation, support fragile coastline restoration and develop innovative products to meet Florida’s unique needs. Now and in the future, we are taking action to positively impact Florida’s water resources.
Driving a Fact-Based Conversation & Independent Florida-based Research
Scotts is investing in Florida-based scientific research and innovation on some of the state’s most pressing water issues. Since 2014 we have supported independent research to map and monitor the sources of nutrients flowing into the Indian River Lagoon. Conducted by the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), based in Ft. Pierce, this research aims to focus public and private investments on the highest priority actions that might improve and protect water and wildlife in the lagoon. Scotts has continued educating homeowners on lawn and garden best practices, especially keeping grass clippings and fertilizer on the lawn and out of canals or other waterways.
Sponsoring the World’s Largest Water Prize
Excess nutrients such as phosphorus feed the harmful algal blooms plaguing many of Florida’s fresh waterways. In 2017 The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation announced its sponsorship of the George Barley Water Prize. Motivated by the blooms threatening Florida’s waterways, the Everglades Foundation launched this global competition. It offers $10 million to the competitor who develops the best way of removing and repurposing harmful algal blooms’ nutrient source— phosphorus. The innovations being developed and tested hold unique potential for addressing Florida’s water quality challenges.
Homeowner Outreach & Education
When it comes to water quality, our lawns and gardens can play a role. To help Florida homeowners protect and preserve this vital resource,Scotts offers lawn and garden stewardship information. Through radio and online advertising, a Florida-specific web page with seasonal stewardship tips and in-store educational messaging, we ensure all Floridians can protect the waterways connected to their backyards.
Water and Habitat Restoration
Since 2016 ScottsMiracle-Gro has partnered on a unique environmental restoration program with Tampa Bay Watch through its Bay Grasses in Classes program. Students tend native plant nurseries on school grounds and transfer the plants they grow to designated restoration sites within the Tampa Bay estuary. The restoration plantings help clean the bay by filtering nutrients. At the same time, students learn real-world environmental and agronomic education principles that will help them become the next generation of stewards for Florida’s waterways and expert backyard gardeners.
By Land and By Sea: Community Greenspace Helps Water Quality
We are helping local communities create and support their own community gardens and green spaces in each of Florida’s 67 counties. This effort is part of the company’s GRO1000 grant program that has established 1,000 community gardens across North America. These community lawns and greenspaces serve as some of the most effective tools to reduce stormwater runoff, protect against erosion and nutrient loss and also increase groundwater recharge.
