"Martin County and the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program is thrilled to be working with Hope Rural Catholic School in Indiantown on this project," said Martin County Commissioner Michael DiTerlizzi. "This project will not only serve as a beautification project for the community and school, but it will serve as an educational tool for the students and community members to learn about planting the right plants in the right place in order to conserve water."

The three-day event began on Friday, April 11th at the school. "Farmer Fred" of Martin County Television fame taught the students and teachers about Xeriscape and Florida friendly landscaping principals and water conservation.

On Saturday, April 12th, teachers, students, families and members of the community participated in a "Community Plant Day." The volunteers installed new landscaping at the school located in Indiantown.

The third day of the "Families Going Green" event will take place Friday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. On that day, the school will host a grand opening celebration of the newly landscaped grounds. Martin County Commissioner DiTerlizzi and Indiantown Neighborhood Advisory Chairman Brian Powers will speak at the event, recognizing the site as a community beautification site. Each student will receive a "Water Ambassador" certificate from the South Florida Water Management District's mascot, "Freddy."

The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program purchased the plants for this project and is donating them to the school. Classic Growers Company, Inc. has donated their landscape design expertise and provided the plants at a discounted rate.

For additional information on water conservation and the South Florida Water Management District's comprehensive Water Conservation Program, visit www.savewaterfl.com.