FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bobby Faust, Lee County Department of Transportation
              (239) 694-3334

LEE COMPLETES TWO "DEMONSTRATION" LANDSCAPING PROJECTS AROUND RETENTION PONDS
      
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 26, 2003) - Lee County has completed landscapings of two retention ponds along McGregor Boulevard - demonstration projects that show how retention ponds can be beautified on a minimal budget.

One of the projects is located on the southeast side of McGregor Boulevard at its intersection with Deep Lagoon Lane. The other project is on the south side of McGregor Boulevard just west of its intersection with A & W Bulb Road.

These demonstration projects show how landscaping can be used to improve the aesthetic value of roadside retention ponds within the community.

The county landscaped around both retention ponds using native trees such as Green Buttonwoods, Live Oaks, Sabal Palms, and South Florida Slash Pine. The county also installed Leather Ferns as herbaceous perennials in the littoral zone or transitional area between wet and dry environments.

This project cost $6,100 and was funded by a matching grant and in cooperation with the State of Florida, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry. The projects serve the public by demonstrating that retention ponds can be landscaped to enhance an area on a minimal budget, while beautifying an area and benefiting the environment.

For more information please contact:

Bobby Faust, Road & Bridge Maintenance Superintendent, Lee County Department of Transportation, 694-3334.

Paul Wingard, Deputy Director, Lee County Department of Transportation, 479-8580.

Pat Moore, Landscape Architect, Lee County Department of Transportation, 694-3334.