Urban influences on water quality vary greatly. Between impervious surfaces, stormwater, and different land uses, urban water quality can be significantly impacted. The third day of Follow the Water explores the Sweetwater Branch Watershed in Gainesville, Florida. Sweetwater Branch covers 3.3 square miles in the City of Gainesville and is comprised of low-density residential (60%), commercial (20%), and mixed forests and wetlands (14%). We'll start at the bottom of the watershed and work our way upstream to learn about conservation, bioremediation, urban stormwater, urban canopies, and the Florida-Friendly Landscaping in a historic community. 

Sweetwater Wetlands Park is not only a place to connect with nature, it's a way to protect our environment. The park, which consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds, was created to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer. 

A once contaminated landscape has now transformed into a major park within the City of Gainesville. Depot Park is now a major amenity for the entire community but also plays a major role in helping improve water quality for Sweetwater Branch.

Duckpond is one of Gainesville's oldest neighborhoods. Known for its duck pond, which is an impounded portion of Sweetwater Branch, this community has changed over time. Some of these big changes involve how the landscape was managed. 

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program follows science-based landscape best management practices. Following the nine principles of the FFL program helps improve landscape diversity and helps protect Florida's most vital resource - water.