Riverwood, Florida Earns Audubon Green Community Award
Summary
Ongoing programs and efforts include the Living with Nature events and articles in the community newspaper and website about sound environmental practices and native species that are published several times a year.“With the surrounding natural landscape of the ‘wild and scenic’ Myakka River, and Charlotte Harbor, an important Florida estuary, Riverwood has much to celebrate.Riverwood becomes the first private community in Florida and the third entity in the state to earn the Audubon Green Community Award for their ongoing green initiatives.Members of Audubon International’s Sustainable Communities Program are eligible for the award, which recognizes environmental achievement and is an intermediate milestone en route to earning rigorous designation as a Certified Audubon Sustainable Community.Riverwood’s accomplishments include:• Reclaimed Water Project – By partnering with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Riverwood installed a system that uses reclaimed water for irrigation.Also, the volunteer-supported Virginia B. Andes Clinic offers medical care for the uninsured.• Wildlife Habitat – As part of the community’s master plan, over 300 acres of open space were protected through conservation easements and restrictions.“With the surrounding natural landscape of the ‘wild and scenic’ Myakka River, and Charlotte Harbor, an important Florida estuary, Riverwood has much to celebrate.