Contribution to Environment

Impact/Outcome

A: Largest Green Certified
Community in Central Florida

Promote the peaceful coexistence of human and animal residents within the community while striking a balance between the preservation, use and enjoyment of Harmony’s natural areas.

(a) One of the only 10 green communities development in the State of Florida
(b) Underlying these objectives are the values of fostering a respect for the land, the protection of wildlife and the sensible.

B: Alternative Sources of Energy – Solar & Rain

This certification is achieved through a combination of energy efficient heating. cooling, hot water use, energy efficient appliances and lighting.

The benefits of an EnergyStar® Certified home are improved home quality and homeowner comfort, lower environmental demand, reduction in air pollution and lower utility costs.

C: 2 miles of recycled PVC fencing equivalent to 9 million milk containers

Fences, plant barriers and other barriers placed to exclude animals from gardens or other places where they are or reasonably may be expected to be in conflict with humans.

No fences and barriers should be utilized which present a threat of injury to wildlife due to design, construction, or lack of proper maintenance. No barbed wire or hog wire fences shall be used.

D: Geothermal heated pool at swim club

Energy Savings

Year round use community development cost savings to resides

E. Audubon certified golf preserve

The Harmony Golf Preserve is certified as an Audubon Cooperative sanctuary (ACSP) by Audubon International

ACSP award winning education certification program that helps golf courses protect our environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf.

F: Dark sky compliant lighting – protecting the starry skies

All residential outdoor home and yard lighting shall be of low intensity and conform to (dark sky) standards or downward projected “full-cut-off” illumination and to shield light from emitting upwards toward the open sky or surrounding natural areas. Mercury vapor and metal halide lights are prohibited. Motion and timer controlled light switches are encouraged.

To the maximum extent practicable, conform to a “dark sky” lighting standard.

G: Native and Florida-friendly plantings

An integral part of Florida’s natural environment.

Linked to the unique and fragile ecosystem that gives beauty and sense of wonder.

H: Street trees spaced
Appropriately to provide shade
from curb to curb

Bike trails, canopy for climate
changes
Encourages outdoor living
Outdoor education with birds &
Wildlife

Increase habitat for nature
Climate changes
Health benefits

I: Every home within a 3 minute walk of a park or open space

Seven interpretive kiosks have been placed along Harmony’s sidewalks along the golf course and in the park. Contribute socially, physically and environmentally

Each contains informative displays that discuss one of the seven topics: water, energy, wildlife, environmental, landscaping, insects/pollinators, lakes and natural/human history.

J: Numerous dog parks for small and large dogs
Pet parks

Dogs shall not be left unattended in dog parks at any time. Contribute socially, physically and environmentally

Harmony’s stewardship concept involves balancing hands-off and hands-on approaches.

Allow the community to explore and adopt new and better conflict resolution strategies, landscape management schemes, environmental management techniques and practical approaches to maintaining biotic integrity.

K: : Every home is EnergyStar® certified

Energy Savings

Cost savings projected to avoid building one entire power plant.

L: Community garden & composting center

Spirit Farm

Waste not going into landfill
Enriching Earth
Not having to burn
Environmentally sound

M:  Drought Tolerant Grasses utilized – Zoysia

Water/saving resources

Drinking water
Use of reclaimed water

N:  Wooded lakeshores under conservation easement

Preserved areas are configured and managed to promote sustainable populations of native plants and wildlife, pursuant to sound habitat management plans.

Such areas have access restrictions posted or have their access trails blocked.

O: Only green propelled boats allowed on the private lakes

Disposal or spillage of hazardous materials, chemicals and antibacterial agents is similarly prohibited

Avoid introducing pollutants to the surface drainage system.

P: Lakeshore park designed with guidance from Texas A&M  University

Living in Harmony
No homes build on lakes
Raising the bar
Bridges on waterways
Ribbon of water
Retention water

Public park areas and resident use areas demonstration model and perseveres environment ‘Raising the Bar’ with higher standards.

Q: Community School – newest technology available for K-8

Model school for replication
Heart of community
Design issues – green community

Kids experience great community and school
Hearts and minds

R:  Functionally monitored wildlife corridors

Residential activity on lots adjoining natural corridors and preserve areas shall not encroach into such features as a result of vegetation removal, mowing or other landscaping practices.

Avoid conflicts with wildlife or disturbing vegetation

S:  Temporary transfer
station for or displaced injured wildlife.

Wildlife that are injured are transported to a licensed rescue facility.

Teaches residents that wildlife deserve respect and should be cared for humanely.

T:  Multiple Preserves –
Sandhill Crane, Gopher Tortoise, & Xeric Oak

To Foster tolerance, respect, and understanding of all living things.

To create and provide educational activities which will foster a community-wide land ethic and promote future land stewardship.

U:  Miles of natural and urban trails – walking, pedaling & equestrian

Allows natural elements to persist unimpeded by humans and minimizes the circumstances that lead to conflict between humans and wildlife.

A human-dominated landscape where human actions profoundly affect the welfare of wild animals

V: Access to miniature agricultural animals.

Teaches respect for all animals and builds respect for the local culture and land ethic.

Promotes Schweitzer philosophy of the “Will to Live” and teaches compassion to all animals.

W: Produce garden

Spirit Farm

Connects people to the earth and promotes goals of healthy eating.

X: Volunteers working on land planning at Spirit Farm

Creating trails, planting.

Connects people to the land and promotes ethic of restrained wild habitat access.

Y:  Living in Harmony with Nature Education program

Promotes an ethic of land stewardship based on the guidelines written by HICAB

Guides children to be future land stewards.