Welcome to the Adopt-A-Pond Program page. Please take a moment to read about what's happening with the program,
search our list of ponds, contact us or learn about how to join the Adopt-A-Pond Program.
The Pinellas County Board of Commissioners implemented a Surface Water Assessment and Fee in unincorporated Pinellas County effective October 1, 2013. The Surface Water Governance Study for Pinellas County recommended the return of the Adopt-A-Pond program as a vehicle by which Pinellas County could achieve higher functioning stormwater ponds. The Adopt-A-Pond program is funded by The Surface Water Assessment Fee.
The Adopt-A-Pond program partners with citizens to increase the functionality of their stormwater ponds to achieve benefits such as:
- improved water quality
- habitat restoration
- drainage improvement
- flood protection
- increased environmental stewardship
A key component to a healthy stormwater pond is the removal of nuisance and exotic vegetation and the revegetation with Florida native plants. Aquatic vegetation, used to stabilize shorelines and to remove pollutants, is a vital link that helps maintain water quality. A properly planted and maintained pond will offer increased wildlife habitat, recreation areas, and improved aesthetic value.
Participants in the Adopt-A-Pond program will work together to improve their communities by designing, implementing, and maintaining a 5-year plan for their stormwater ponds. Activities can include invasive plant removal, native plantings, pond cleanup events, and neighborhood outreach and education. If you would like to learn specific steps on how to Adopt-Your-Pond you can visit the Pinellas County Website, which has information about how to form a pond group, how to create a management plan, and program policies and procedures.
Pinellas County Watershed Management staff assists groups by providing information on community grants, participates in educational events, and for unincorporated Pinellas County residents, performs site visits regarding specific complaints when possible. We offer to all citizens educational materials regarding stormwater ponds, native plants, and water quality. The annual Lakes & Ponds Education Day is held each spring with funding assistance from the City of Largo; all citizens are invited to attend. The day consists of a series of presentations on various water quality related issues, hands on display booths for different environmental organizations, and native plant giveaways when funds are available.
