Spring 2023 Sustainability Fellows: Mary Noonan & E Thomas

Partner: Leon County Office of Sustainability 

Project: Leon County Landscaping 

Students: Mary Noonan and E Thomas 

In Spring 2023, Mary and E collaborated with the Leon County Office of Sustainability to conduct research and provide recommendations for native plants at selected county sites. With the goal of promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the county's environmental resilience, this project aimed to create a more sustainable and visitor-friendly landscape by utilizing Florida native and Florida-friendly plants. 

The Leon County Office of Sustainability is dedicated to enhancing the community's environmental, economic, and social resilience by fostering the adoption of sustainable practices within County government and the larger community. To support the county's re-landscaping efforts, the office sought Sustainability Fellows who could research and recommend suitable native plants for specific sites. 

Mary, a graduate student in Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on Environmental Planning, possesses a deep-rooted passion for sustainability and sustainable communities. With a diverse academic background covering various environmental aspects, she has worked with a local non-governmental organization (NGO) in providing environmental education programs across Florida. Her strengths lie in project management, collaborative learning, and a strong desire to create more sustainable communities. This fellowship perfectly aligned with Mary's academic pursuits and her goal of fostering sustainability in Florida.  

E shares a profound love for the natural world and has long aspired to work in a sustainable career. Having volunteered at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, E gained valuable experience in public engagement, visitor education programs, and research projects. Currently majoring in Environmental Science, with an interest in urban planning, E saw this fellowship as an opportunity to explore a career in local government and deepen their knowledge about local plants and animals. E's commitment to minimizing harm to the environment and making conscious decisions made them an excellent fit for this project.

The primary goal of this project was to research and recommend native plants for selected sites, with the intention of making these recommendations standard practice in county operations going forward. To achieve this, Mary and E extensively researched Florida native and Florida-friendly plant species and their care requirements. They gathered information on planting seasons, sunlight and water needs, additional care requirements such as pruning, and susceptibility to pests or diseases. Online resources, particularly the UF/IFAS (University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Studies) website, served as valuable references. Using Adobe InDesign, they compiled the research findings into a guidebook organized by plant types, including flowers, groundcovers, shrubs, and trees.

Florida native and Florida-friendly plants thrive in the state's climate, requiring less intensive care. They also support local pollinators, aid in temperature regulation, and help prevent erosion. By creating a guide that facilitates informed plant choices and care, the project aimed to make Leon County's publicly owned spaces more environmentally friendly and visitor friendly. 

E expressed their enthusiasm, stating, "I personally enjoyed learning about native plants a lot, and this was a really amazing experience. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of it!" The project not only allowed Mary and E to deepen their knowledge of native plants but also provided them with valuable insight into sustainable practices at the local government level. 

Mary and E's collaboration with the Leon County Office of Sustainability exemplifies the power of research and recommendations in enhancing sustainable landscaping. Through their dedication, they contributed to creating a more environmentally friendly and visually appealing landscape, benefiting both the community and local wildlife. 

To learn more about the Sustainability Fellows program, visit sustainablecampus.fsu.edu/sustainability-fellows.