LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
\nLee County Department of Natural Resources Operations Manager Lisa Kreiger receives a 2026 Stormwater Excellence Award from the Florida Stormwater Association.<\/p>\n
Lee County\u2019s fertilizer education and outreach program, Fertilize Smart, has been awarded a 2026 Stormwater Excellence Award by the Florida Stormwater Association (FSA).<\/p>\n
Recognized in the Public Education Effort category, the program represents a decades-long commitment to educate county residents and visitors about Lee County\u2019s ordinance and the impact that fertilizer can have on clean water and waterway preservation, the county reported.<\/p>\n
The awards are given to local government and academic FSA member organizations that have demonstrated a high level of distinction in stormwater programs, projects and public education efforts.<\/p>\n
The objective of the Fertilize Smart campaign is to engage and educate the community about proper fertilizer use, irrigation practices, proper disposal of pet waste, Florida-friendly landscape practices and other factors that affect water quality. The county noted that the goal is to prompt personal behavior change.<\/p>\n
The desired outcomes include:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Reduce non-point stormwater pollution sources<\/p>\n
\u2013 Decrease impacts on local waterways<\/p>\n
\u2013 Improve water quality in surface waters<\/p>\n
As part of the effort, the county introduced \u201cLee the Gnome\u201d in 2024 as a campaign mascot and marketing strategy element to capture the public\u2019s attention and reinforce the campaign\u2019s educational messages. In 2025, it brought the mascot to life. Lee can be seen at community events around the county, helping to spread the word about the Fertilize Smart initiative.<\/p>\n
\u201cPre-and-post education campaign surveys show an increase in respondents\u2019 awareness,\u201d Lee County Department of Natural Resources Operations Manager Lisa Kreiger said. \u201cThis campaign has been a massive success for Lee County Natural Resources but, most importantly, Fertilize Smart is having a positive impact on public behavior as more people rally to protect our waterways.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2026 Stormwater Excellence Award winners were honored on June 18 at the FSA\u2019s annual conference, Rising to the Challenge: Navigating Stormwater Change Together, at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor.<\/p>\n
The county\u2019s fertilizer restriction is in effect from June 1 through Sept. 30, requiring residents \u2014 Captiva included \u2014 to stop the use of fertilizers to protect waterways during rainy summer months.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit FertilizeSmart.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n