Change a Light, Change the World

Take the pledge to change at least one light in your home to an energy-efficient bulb by joining the Change A Light St. Lucie campaign. To join, click on the Energy Star logo below and select the “Join Us” box. Then make your pledge by filling in the easy form. Once you register, you will have the option to receive offers for discounted bulbs and energy efficient lighting products.

A compact fluorescent bulb (CFL):

• Requires only 25% of the energy of a standard bulb
• Generates 75% less heat than standard lighting
  Lasts up to 10 times longer
• Saves an average of $30 or more over its lifetime
• Prevents 450 pounds of greenhouse gas over its lifetime, the equivalent of burning 200 lbs of coal
  Preserves energy resources
   

If every American replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would:

• Conserve enough energy to light over three million homes for a year
• Prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars
• Save at least $600,000,000 in annual energy costs
   

***NOTICE - Data and Analysis Prepared by Dr. James Nicholas Regarding Draft Ordinance 07-019***

Environmental Resources was originally formed from the County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands program approved by County voters, by bond referendum, on November 8, 1994.

The Resource Protection Division is responsible for working with land developers and homeowners in overseeing the County Code Ordinances concerning the identification, removal or preservation of any native vegetation and/or threatened or endangered species.

Currently, there are nine sites open, Pinelands, Indrio Savannas, Oxbow Eco-Center, Ocean Bay, Spruce Bluff, Coon Island, Blind Creek, Wildcat Cove and Sweetwater Hammock for you to enjoy creating a whole host of passive activities from hiking, birding, cycling, fishing, canoeing, plant identification, and any other activity you can think of. Each site has its own unique blend of opportunities and have been left in their respective conditions. So you'll find yourself stepping back into time, before development took place, creating an atmosphere of quiet tranquility.

• Each site has an information kiosk with brochures that outlines each specific sites unique features and trail maps (if applicable), as the intent is to provide you with natural settings.
• There are no trash receptacles, restrooms or concession facilities. Please be sure to bring whatever you need for your visit, drinking water, bug repellant, hat, proper shoe attire, cameras, etc. We also ask that you pack out whatever you take in!

Environmental Resource Protection was established to regulate the removal of native vegetation, thereby preserving local heritage, beauty and natural resources.

There are many benefits from retaining native trees and vegetation as a land developer or homeowner:

• saving money on clearing costs
• to have instant landscaping
• less lawn to mow
• energy conservation
• instant privacy and noise buffers
• vegetation takes up rain water and allows for gradual
• aquifer recharge
• control soil erosion
• established native vegetation requires little or no fertilizer or pesticides
• provides wildlife food and habitat right on your own property!

So, before you remove anything be sure to check out our Resource Protection pages to see what you need to do!

If you need any information, feel free to contact us at
772-462-2526 or via e-mail besseyv@stlucieco.gov .