Residents who want to “go green” in their personal lives and businesses are invited to join a special team that will begin meeting Oct. 20.

The Citrus County UF/IFAS Extension is forming the "Green and Blue Team" to help community members conserve water and energy both indoors and outdoors using researched information from the University of
Florida.

The goal is to unite citizens, government staff and businesses as a team toward the common goal of a cleaner, greener Citrus County. Each meeting will consist of a brief "green" presentation, followed by open discussion and brainstorming with other club members to share ideas and provide feedback. Meetings will be positive and relaxed, with a focus on exchanging information about behaviors that can be adopted to save water and energy.

Residents are encouraged to bring their water usage and kilowatt usage for the past three months to be entered into a drawing for a rain barrel. The first meetings are scheduled for Oct. 20, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15 in the Citrus County UF/IFAS Extension's classroom at 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Lecanto.

Participants can attend either the afternoon class, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., or the evening class, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The IFAS building is next to the Lecanto Government Building and the Health Department building on Sovereign Path, which is off County Road 491. Turn west off C.R. 491 onto Saunders Way, just north of the Lecanto school complex and then left on Sovereign. The building is immediately on the right.

Space is limited. Interested persons should reserve a spot by Friday, Oct. 16, by e-mailing audrey.durr@bocc.citrus.fl.us, or by calling 352-527-5700.

This is a part of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program of the Citrus County Extension Service, which is a public education and outreach program of the University of Florida. The program is funded jointly by the Citrus County Commission and basin boards of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles taught help create an attractive yard that saves water, keeps area waters clean and provides habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.