For Researchers

The Harmony Institute provides an environment for research and study both at Spirit Farm and within the Town of Harmony with resident participation. 

If you are interested in conducting a study, please send a letter of interest along with a brief project summary including background and significance and specific aims to Harmony Institute, 7210 Five Oaks Drive, Harmony, FL  34771 Attention:  HICAB. 

Of primary interest is a Community Health Survey. 

The material will be reviewed by members of the Harmony Institute Center Advisory Board (HICAB) and a response provided within 30 days.

Landscaping Strategies to Conserve Water and Biodiversity in Residential Communities

The Program for Resource Efficient Communities (PREC) at the University of Florida, IFAS Extension School of Natural Resources and Environment managed a study in which Harmony’s prescribed landscape standards were reviewed as specified in its Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CCRs) to evaluate a number of installed landscapes and develop baseline data on water consumption for homes in the community.

Recommendations from this report were used in modifying community documents and providing education opportunities for residents.  In response to a less than desired use of native plants because of driving distance to nurseries that carried native plants, the Harmony Institute conducted a residential survey to determine the popularity of a variety of native plants.  Based upon the response, the Institute has begun a small native plant nursery at Spirit Farms to encourage residential use.

Observation of the Bond in a Human-Animal Bond Centered Community

Christa Paxson, DVM 2008 and Alan M. Beck, ScD
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Purdue University

Human-Animal-Nature Bond-centered Harmony, FL offers opportunities for pet owners to exercise, play and generally interact with their pets outside of the home. Each neighborhood member has access to inter-residential parks, alley parks, two dog parks, Lakeshore Park, and the town-long walkway know as Long Park; each of these parks contains landscape elements that create an interesting atmosphere for both the dog and the dog walker. With several well-planned locations for owner-dog interaction, the question remained as to how these amenities were utilized by pets and their owners.

A seven-week pilot study was conducted to observe daily activity in chosen parks and streets as well as develop a feel for the pet owner community’s Human-Animal bond attitudes and general health. Canine and human body measurements were taken in order to chart changes in weight loss due to utilization of the parks.  At the time of the study, the population included first year residents.  The community has grown and warrants additional study.

Interpretive Kiosks for Environmental Education

Mark Hostetler, Ph.D., Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida

Decisions made by homeowners ultimately determine whether a community functions as a “green” community.  For example, people determine which light bulbs to purchase, what types of vegetation to plant (e.g., exotics vs. natives), how much water to use, and whether to ameliorate their yards for wildlife.

Harmony’s Interpretive Kiosks program engages homeowners in understanding and implementing natural resource conservation strategies.  The program contains three elements:

Seven interpretive kiosks were placed along Harmony’s sidewalks along the golf course (Long Park) and in the Lakeshore Park.  Each of the kiosks contain informative displays that discuss one of seven topics: Water, Energy, Wildlife, Environmental Landscaping, Insects/Pollinators, Lakes and Natural/Human History.  Kiosks are dynamic and different informative panels can be easily changed.  Living in Harmony website was constructed to give detailed environmental information and management strategies pertinent to Harmony (http://www.harmonyfl.com/lih/index.htm.)  A brochure is available for each homeowner highlighting local natural resource issues and inviting homeowners to explore the kiosks and visit the website.  Survey were conducted to gauge resident’s awareness of the kiosk information.