SB 354 and HB 299, Blue Ribbon Projects, are two bills making their way through the Florida House and Senate that would grant big landowners the right to ignore local land use controls and protections of rural areas. These bills would green-light large projects with little oversight and no public participation.

Local comprehensive plans are created by the community, planning experts, and local stakeholders. These plans are the foundation of our community’s character, and new developments must meet the standards set forth in the comprehensive plan. The Blue Ribbon Projects bill completely upends this foundational structure for large-scale development projects.

The Blue Ribbon Projects could also put taxpayers at risk. Road networks and other infrastructure will be needed to support these sprawling developments. We know that development doesn’t pay for itself, and local taxpayers – who will have no say in whether this sprawl should be approved – will likely be left paying for the creation and upkeep of these new facilities.

The bills limit local governments to just 60 days to determine whether new 10,000+ acre projects meet not only local comprehensive plans, but also the vague criteria. If a city or county can’t meet that deadline, the project is automatically approved, and those development entitlements persist for 50 years.

And the bills say these projects will be approved by local government administrators, not by the elected officials, effectively shutting the public out of the local planning process.

Is this bill necessary? Absolutely NOT! There are tools already available in state law to allow for large-scale planning efforts, such as the ability for large landowners to create sector plans. These currently existing avenues for rural planning include full public participation, with the final decisions made, as they should be, by local elected officials during a public hearing to ensure that the sector plan is consistent with the local land use plan. 

We need you to contact legislators at the next committee stops for this bill, along with the bill sponsors. Those committees are the House Commerce Committee and the Senate Rules Committee. Please let them know you want them to vote NO on this dangerous bill.

Gopher Tortoise

The gopher tortoise was brought to the hospital after being struck by a car. Upon admission, the tortoise was in critical condition. A full initial examination revealed a cranial carapace fracture, significant facial swelling, and fresh bleeding from both the nares and mouth. After the tortoise was stabilized, the staff veterinarian performed a sedated examination and determined that the tortoise had also suffered a fractured jaw.

Similar to humans, animals with fractured jaws are unable to eat normally and require a liquid or soft food diet while healing. Gopher tortoises are herbivores that feed on a variety of grasses and plants, all of which require chewing. Because chewing is currently impossible for this tortoise, the veterinarian placed a feeding tube while the animal was under sedation to ensure proper nutrition throughout recovery. During the same procedure, the veterinarian also debrided the carapace wound to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.

Injuries of this severity can take a long time to heal. The jaw injury is expected to require at least eight weeks of recovery, while the carapace fracture may take even longer. Throughout this process, the tortoise is being closely monitored and is receiving pain medication, antibiotics, daily tube feedings, morning soaks, regular bandage changes, and supervised time outdoors for fresh air and natural sunlight.

As gopher tortoises continue to lose habitat due to development, they are increasingly forced to move in search of food or suitable areas to dig burrows. This often leads them to cross busy roadways. If you see a gopher tortoise crossing the road, please stop and, if it is safe to do so, help guide the tortoise across in the direction it was already heading. If you are unsure where to place the tortoise, you may transport it to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. Any tortoise showing signs of injury, especially fresh blood, should be brought in immediately for professional care.

Eastern Screech Owl

Another patient currently recovering at the wildlife hospital is an eastern screech owl. Eastern screech owls are Florida’s smallest owl species, standing only about nine inches tall, and are frequently mistaken for baby owls. Despite their name, their call sounds more like a trill than a screech. They also possess specialized feathers with soft, comb-like edges that allow them to fly silently, making them highly effective nighttime hunters.

This owl was injured after colliding with a vehicle late at night. The finder responded quickly and responsibly by stopping immediately and safely containing the owl. Although the hospital was closed at the time, the finder listened to the after-hours voicemail instructions and kept the owl in a warm, dark, and quiet space overnight. The following morning, the owl was brought to the hospital as soon as it opened.

An initial examination revealed trauma to the right eye as well as fractures to both wings. Pain medication and eye treatments were administered to address swelling and discomfort. While the eye injury has since healed, the owl remains in a small recovery enclosure to limit movement and prevent further damage while the wing fractures continue to mend.

The von Arx Wildlife Hospital understands that accidents involving wildlife can happen despite best intentions. If you ever see an animal hit by a car, please bring it to a wildlife hospital as soon as possible. The faster an injured animal receives care from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, the greater its chance of survival and eventual return to the wild.

The von Arx Wildlife Hospital is located at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida – 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples, FL. Please call 239-262-2273 for wildlife assistance. We are open 365 days a year from 8am to 6pm.

The John & Carol Walter Nature Experience will become the Conservancy’s new public-facing front door, designed to immerse visitors in the science, solutions, and stories behind protecting water, land, and wildlife—and how those efforts sustain Southwest Florida’s quality of life. Site plans released at the Conservancy’s 62^nd Annual Member Meeting highlight a reimagined visitor experience inspired by the Western Everglades, beginning with a half-acre stormwater lake that introduces guests to nature-based solutions, followed by a new 7,000-square-foot welcome center with dynamic and interactive exhibits. Additional features include an expanded outdoor deck to accommodate our growing visitation and traveling nature-themed exhibits, a covered amphitheater for additional programming, enhanced capacity for additional electric-boat rides, a new upland preserve trail, shaded picnic areas with space for a food truck, and a two-story garage with solar panels.

Design updates for the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience include a new logo that will mark the start of the public journey on campus. While the new logo distinguishes the public experience on site, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida remains the umbrella organization for all programs, including the wildlife hospital and administrative operations that will continue on campus.

To accommodate construction, the current Nature Center will be closed to the public from May 1 through December 2026. Rather than limiting public access, the closure provides an opportunity for the Conservancy to take its education and outreach beyond campus walls. During this period, the organization will expand free programs in partnership with area libraries, parks, and other community venues, ensuring continued access to environmental education across the region. The Conservancy is also developing new outreach opportunities and exclusive member experiences during the closure.

The von Arx Wildlife Hospital will remain open and fully operational throughout construction, and new Conservancy memberships and renewals have been extended to 18 months to account for the temporary closure of the Nature Center.

The John & Carol Walter Nature Experience groundbreaking is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. during the Conservancy’s award-winning Earth Day Festival.  The public is invited to take part in this historic moment for the Conservancy.

Construction updates, program schedules, and locations for free community events will be shared through the Conservancy’s website, social media channels, and newsletters. Go to conservancy.org/natureexperience for all the latest updates on the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience and follow the Conservancy’s mascot, Gordon B. Eagle, as he shares updates with the public leading up to the Nature Experience’s opening in early 2028.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental organization that has protected water, land, and wildlife in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties for more than 60 years. Through environmental science, policy, education, and wildlife rehabilitation, the Conservancy safeguards Southwest Florida’s natural resources for future generations.

Headquartered in Naples, Florida, the Conservancy is home to Collier County’s only native wildlife hospital and its vibrant Nature Center. Currently open to visitors, the Nature Center is undergoing a major transformation into a new, impactful community offering—the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, set to open in early 2028. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a gateway to conservation, offering immersive exhibits, hands-on learning, and expanded programs to inspire environmental stewardship and enhance the region’s quality of life.

Learn more and support Southwest Florida’s environmental future at conservancy.org.

Media Inquiries

Reneé Stoll, Conservancy of Southwest Florida Director of Communications and Marketing, (239) 430-2460, renees@conservancy.org

While the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center will close temporarily for annual maintenance September 2 through 29, the von Arx Wildlife Hospital will remain open daily from 8 am to 6 pm to meet the ongoing needs of wildlife admissions and rehabilitative care.

Administrative offices will be open for business as usual during the Nature Center closure. Normal operating hours at the Nature Center are expected to resume at 9:30 am on Tuesday, September 30.

Over 4,000 injured, sick, and orphaned native animals are admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital each year. Most of those injuries stem from interactions that involve humans — including car strikes, domestic pet attacks, window collisions, fishing line and hook injuries, gunshots, and toxicosis.

If you find injured or orphaned native wildlife, contact the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at (239) 262-2273.

Check conservancy.org for additional Nature Center updates.

The Christopher B. Smith Preserve is a 7.5 acre parcel which was purchased for conservation purposes, made possible by the generosity of Christopher and Jeannie Smith. The preserve is located in the heart of Naples on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida campus.

The preserve is made up of a patchwork of habitats, most notably Florida scrub. According to the book Ecosystems of Florida, similar habitats exist in a few of the other southern states, however, Florida scrub habitat is considered unique to Florida. Scrub is essentially ancient sand dunes deposited by the receding ocean, in some cases over a million years ago.

It is classified by the nutrient poor, well drained-soil, and is typically named for the dominant tree or shrub species that reside there, such as ‘oak scrub’ or ‘rosemary scrub’. Fire plays an important role in the shaping of scrub habitats. In addition to other benefits, fire releases nutrients back into the soil, prevents the dominant tree species from taking over, and maintains the vast white sand appearance.

Unfortunately, Florida scrub has become a critically endangered habitat. For example, Lake Wales Ridge which is one of the largest scrub ecosystems, located in Central Florida, has experienced an 85% loss to development and agriculture. Similarly, much of coastal scrub in Collier County has been lost due to the preference for developing habitats that are high and dry.  

Florida scrub is also known for the high biodiversity with its most popular resident being the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). This state-designated Threatened species creates deep burrows in the sandy soil which can be utilized by as many as 350 other species!

The Christopher B. Smith Preserve is also home to a charismatic population of gopher tortoises. However, many less well-known living creatures call this 7.5 acres sanctuary home as well. Conservancy volunteer Susan Leach Snyder has identified 1,283 species living in the preserve to date. You can see them all on her website Secrets of the Scrub… A Biodiversity Bonanza where they are inventoried. This is a wonderful testament to the value of saving habitat. 

When you view the Christopher B. Smith Preserve from the bridge walk on campus, it most often displays the typical white sand dune appearance, edged by scrubby oaks and pines. However, starting in late August the dunes come to life with color. The unique plants of the scrub come into bloom creating a sea of purples, yellows, blues, and whites, all of which are danced upon by various pollinators. These pollinators create a welcome food source for the local and migratory birds that reside in the preserve during this blooming window. This unique habitat has nurtured these, and many other cycles, for longer than modern humans have been living here. Please take a moment to walk up the bridge and enjoy the view next time you’re on campus!

The shower will support the hospital’s most at-risk patients – young wild animals facing human-created dangers, such as pet encounters, vehicle strikes, and nest disturbance from landscaping. The Conservancy’s von Arx Wildlife Hospital treats over 3,000 injured, sick, and orphaned patients each year. In 2024 alone, over half of the animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for the entire year arrived between April and August.  

On June 14, the public is invited to the Conservancy’s Nature Center, located at 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples, to attend its Wildlife Baby Shower and drop off donations of items that are essential to patient care.

Requested donations for the 2025 baby shower include food and vitamin products, husbandry items, medical supplies and miscellaneous items like batteries, unused dog toys, and bug spray. Each person who brings an item from the Wildlife Wishlist to the Nature Center can choose from free admission for the day or a discounted family membership for $60 ($100 value). Members will receive a guest pass for free admission to share. 

To donate to von Arx Wildlife Hospital and view the Conservancy’s Amazon and Chewy wish lists, visit conservancy.org/BabyShower.  

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida 

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental organization that has protected water, land and wildlife in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties for more than 60 years. Through environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation, the Conservancy safeguards Southwest Florida’s natural resources for future generations. 

Headquartered in Naples, Florida, the Conservancy is home to Collier County’s only native wildlife hospital and its vibrant Nature Center. Currently open to visitors, the Nature Center is undergoing a major transformation into a new, impactful community offering—the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, set to open in 2028. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a gateway to conservation, offering immersive exhibits, hands-on learning and expanded programs to inspire environmental stewardship and enhance the region’s quality of life. 

Learn more and support Southwest Florida’s environmental future at conservancy.org. 

Media Contact: 

Reneé Stoll, Conservancy of Southwest Florida Director of Communications and Marketing, (239) 430-2460, renees@conservancy.org 

This exciting hands-on experience was part of a long-term effort in maintaining the health of local reefs through work such as outplanting coral fragments and sponges, along with removing any pests that may impact coral growth and development.

Starting with a training seminar on outplanting corals and sponges, Jordan and Ally learned the intricacies of coral restoration and the efforts I.CARE and its staff and interns put forth to aid in this important mission.

Afterwards, they were given a quick tour of one of Mote Marine Labs coral nurseries located in Islamorada. I.CARE partners with Mote to help outplant these corals once they’re ready to begin their lives on the reef. 

During their dives, Jordan and Ally actively participated in reef maintenance by removing predatory corallivorous yellow-footed snails (Coralliophila abbreviata); a species that is native to the Florida keys, but can over-prune coral reefs and leave them more susceptible to disease and bleaching.

Rising water temperatures in the Keys does not allow for corals to be outplanted too late into the summer, as it lowers their chances of survival. However, removing pests such as yellow-footed snails gives corals a greater chance of healthy growth.

Jordan and Ally’s participation in this project highlights the Conservancy’s efforts to promote environmental conservation throughout South Florida. This trip not only supported coral reef restoration, but also deepened the Conservancy’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. If anyone is interested in volunteering with I.CARE, more information can be found at here.

The von Arx Wildife Hospital is open everyday from 8am to 7pm. Call 239-262-2273 for wildlife help. We are located at 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples, FL.

The nestling grey squirrel was found on a sidewalk by a man out for a morning walk. Although there was a delay in admission time because the rescuer had to work and lived in Ft. Myers, he handled the situation perfectly. He kept the young squirrel in a quiet, warm, dark area until he was able to transport to our facility and he didn’t offer the baby any food or water.

The squirrel was curled up in a ball when admitted. The nestling was in fair body condition, had dried blood around both nostrils and a small laceration on his left cheek. Staff provided pain medication and settled the nestling in an animal intensive care unit to rest for the night. 

The following morning, the nestling received another dose of pain medication and was syringe fed a milk replacement formula diluted with electrolytes in order to slowly rehydrate the nestling. While the squirrel was slow to nurse at the first feeding, he eagerly nursed at all subsequent feedings. Due to his young age, the squirrel requires multiple feedings throughout the day and night.

The nestling no longer required pain medications after two days of treatment and care and shortly after that, the nestling was strong enough to move to a recovery space with another single squirrel nestling of similar age. The two nestlings bonded immediately. 

Please note, we are currently in grey squirrel breeding and nesting season.

Take actions that will prevent injuries, check trees before trimming and look through any vegetation that has been blown from trees after storms to ensure no babies have been displaced from their nests. Cats also injure many baby mammals so please, never allow cats to roam outdoors unsupervised. 

If you find an injured or orphaned baby mammal, please bring it to the wildlife hospital for immediate professional care. Never attempt to care for an orphan baby animal. Baby animals are incredibly delicate and require consistent care with constant monitoring to ensure no medical issues develop such as respiratory infections, bloat or diarrhea. Diarrhea requires accurate assessment and quick action to prevent malnutrition, dehydration and death.

State and federal permits are required to care for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife because wild animals have specific husbandry and dietary requirements. The average person is not equipped to meet the needs of a wild animal and the information found on the internet is typically inaccurate. The vast majority of home care situations result in animals suffering greatly even though the rescuer had good intentions.

Never hesitate to call the wildlife hospital if you find an animal in need of assistance. Hospital staff will provide guidance and determine the appropriate course of action.

Recent Releases

A Florida softshell turtle, a Florida red-bellied turtle, two eastern cottontails, a red-bellied woodpecker, a brown thrasher, two burrowing owls, a mourning dove, two Virginia opossums, and a northern mockingbird were released this past week.

Opportunities to Help

Please visit the Conservancy website to view all the great work being accomplished at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital receives no local, state or federal funding. Our work is supported through memberships and donations. Your volunteer time, donations, and memberships are vital in helping us continue our efforts to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.

Joanna Fitzgerald is the Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, Florida 34102. Call 239-262-2273 or see conservancy.org.

Experience special daily talks, with topics including but not limited to, invasive species, saving wildlife, climate change, hurricanes and more. The Conservancy is also offering animal encounters and feedings throughout the week and story time every Tuesday in July. 

The 21-acre Nature Center features a collection of indoor and outdoor exhibits and artifacts curated to showcase Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystem. The experience includes the newly renovated Susan and William Dalton Discovery Center with the new John & Carol Walter Discovery Wing, which features an invasive species and climate change galleries.

The Nature Center is listed as site #69 on the Great Florida Birding Trail and also boasts electric boat tours featuring live flora and fauna along the Gordon River.

The unique benefits of becoming a yearly member of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida includes discounts at 147 nature centers across the country, 10% discount at its gift shop, and members-only kayak rentals. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm.

Quick Details

What: $60 memberships for family and individual, 60% off daily admission

Where: 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples, FL

When: June 29 through August 31

Time: Tuesday-Saturday (9:30am to 4pm)

Background on the study: To address growing concerns around the health and vitality of our waterways, Captains for Clean Water, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation enlisted Greene Economics to conduct a thorough analysis of the economic repercussions of degraded water quality. This pivotal study aims to translate the ecological impact into tangible economic figures, offering a clearer perspective on the stakes involved. The study also shines light on how good water quality has a positive economic impact and that projects and policies that improve water quality will pay off through a more robust economy.

The event was hosted by the Greater Naples Chamber and sponsored by the Collier Community Foundation and held at the Hyatt House Naples – 5th Avenue. The morning begin with a breakfast, opening remarks, and a discussion with three panelists. The panelists were Captain Daniel Andrews, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Captains for Clean Water, James Evans, CEO, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Rob Moher, President & CEO, Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

Throughout the discussion, attendees were given the opportunity to ask the three panelists local water quality questions. We were unable to answer all of the questions/comments due to a lack of time. Michele Arquette-Palermo, Conservancy’s Water Policy Manager, who contributed to the study has taken the time to answer the rest of the questions.

Q: How do I get the greatest impact from the study? 

A: The economic devastation associated with poor water quality is staggering. However, the numbers in this study can be impactful only if they are shared in the community and reach the ears of elected officials and decision makers. You can help us make an impact. Share the study and encourage people to get involved.

Q: How much of the pollution issues come from Lake Okeechobee?

A: Lake Okeechobee is not a major source in Collier County. It is what we do on land that impacts the quality of water. When it rains, water runs across the surface (stormwater). As it drains across roads, parking lots, rooftops and other hard surfaces it picks up things along the way (dog waste, excess fertilizer, oil and gas etc.) and creates what we refer to as stormwater pollution. 

This can occur due to unlawful discharges, illegal dumping and improper trash disposal or trash management, or contact with industrial materials and human or pet waste. Sanitary wastewater can also contaminate stormwater systems through infiltration of contaminated groundwater caused by damaged wastewater collection pipes and failing septic systems.

Q: What do we do about the pollution that doesn’t come from the lake?

A: Each one of us owns a piece of the solution. Some ways you can help minimize water pollution:

• Maintain your vehicle
• Use fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides wisely and sparingly
• Maintain septic systems or switch to municipal systems when possible
• Clean up after our pets
• Support infrastructure upgrades
• Conserve natural systems where its critical and mimic their functions in development areas (green infrastructure, engineering with nature)

Q: Do we have an Oyster Project?

A: The City of Naples is working on an oyster reef restoration project in Naples Bay.  Learn more about the project here.

Q: While we were talking about coastal (Lee, Collier, etc.) water quality, how can coastal communities address water quality upstream?

A: Water and water quality issues flow downhill. Taking action to improve water quality and prevent pollution is the responsibility of everyone, both coastal and inland communities alike. As part of the Conservancy’s 2017 Estuaries Report Card, we published a list of action steps for both decision makers and the public that we believe must be implemented if we are to make meaningful progress in improving water quality. These action steps are still relevant today and can be found under the Estuaries Report Card tab on our water quality page.

Q: Why is it so difficult to find water quality data?

A: Water quality data is collected by different agencies and reported out at different times. It is very hard to get a pulse on water quality on a daily basis. Please visit our website for a detailed look into this issue.

Q: What are you doing or rather, what is the plan to oppose Senator Rubio and Scott’s move to strike down the latest “wetland permitting” decision of the courts?

A: In 2021, the Conservancy and other environmental organizations legally challenged Florida’s assumption of federal Clean Water Act Section 404 wetlands permitting. On February 16, 2024, a federal court struck down this unlawful scheme that threatened Florida’s wetlands and the species that inhabit them. Florida has appealed this decision and the Conservancy’s focus remains on supporting EarthJustice, our legal counsel on this matter, as this case moves through the courts.  Learn more at here.

Q: How can we stop harmful algae blooms?

A: We cannot stop harmful blooms, but we can help mitigate the intensity. One way is to support Everglades Restoration. The more water that goes south results in less water that goes into the estuaries. For more on this issue, please visit our website.

Q: Is there something our commissioners or the state need to do?

A: We need to prevent additional loss of wetlands, support hydrologic restoration, protect critical environmental lands for water and wildlife and implement consistent water quality monitoring. 

Q: What is the #1 local issue for Collier County in restoring clean water?

A: According to the Collier County Pollution Control yearly report released in April of 2023, there were some improvements in water quality in certain areas of the county. 

Bacteria levels improved in most areas except for Corkscrew Swamp, Immokalee Basin, and Rock Creek. More detailed research revealed several sources in Rock Creek (homeless camps, broken pipes, rv parks and illegal hookups). However, despite enforcement and correction, bacteria levels continue to exceed standards. There were also areas where water quality worsened, including Lake Trafford and Cocohatchee River.  

The county recommends “further testing to identify the sources, of the bacteria and nutrients including integrity testing of wastewater infrastructure, and continued efforts to remediate known sources of nutrients impacting waterbodies.”

In April 0f 2024, FDEP reinitiated the process of developing a TMDL (total maximum daily load) for bacteria in this area. This means that we are consistently not meeting bacteria water quality standards. There is a whole host of potential sources according to the state and the FDEP report does not identify many of them. DNA source tracking was conducted by the FDEP in Cow Slough and identified FIB sources included cattle and birds. Rock Creek, Gordon River Extension, and Cocohatchee River need continued source tracking. 

List of potential sources in the report include: 

• Septic systems 
• Pet waste
• Solid waste storage and disposal (poorly managed dumpsters)
• Agricultural animals  
• Biosolids (sewage sludge used in farming and ranch operations and manure)
• Boats
• Wildlife

The Collier County report states, “Reduction of nutrient pollution should remain a priority County-wide. Reducing nutrients at the source is more cost effective and efficient than restoring ecosystems after they have been impacted by nutrients. Source reduction strategies should be considered and include the following: require low impact development for new and redevelopment; agricultural operations (including golf courses) should be following assigned best management practices (BMPs) for their operations and verified that the BMPs being implemented are effective; permitted discharges not meeting water quality standards should be remediated; and converting existing wastewater plants to advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) technologies.”

Q: What are the five bullets we need to do? 

A: Support and advocate for infrastructure upgrades especially those that include green infrastructure, such as stormwater pipes in the City of Naples and Waste Water treatment plant upgrades. 

Develop sustainable practices and recognize that what we do on land impacts water quality. Develop sustainable practices that reduce your impact. Taking steps can ensure that your company and/or household is doing its part to keep waterways clean and healthy. Communicate your efforts to employees and your customers, encourage them to join you. 

Practice Good Housekeeping:

• Proper waste management (dumpster, grease, traps etc.) 
• Manage fleet cars 
• Store hazardous products and wastes in sturdy, leak-proof containers with tight-fitting lids
• Routinely look for drips and leaks; immediately repair faulty connectors, hoses, valves, etc.
• Use fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides wisely and sparingly
• Maintain septic systems or switch to municipal systems when possible
• Clean up after our pets