About CLUE
The Center for Land Use Efficiency (CLUE) was created to bring IFAS agricultural and urban BMP programs together.
Urban programs include the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program (FFL) and the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer program. These programs focus on topics such as resource (e.g. water and nutrients) efficient landscape design, irrigation water conservation, nutrient recommendations, consumer preference, and invasives. Download the CLUE 2022 Annual Report (PDF).
The other urban program included in CLUE is the Program for Resource Efficient Communities (PREC). This group provides planning, design, and training for builders and developers to create communities that are less resource intensive.
Where CLUE focuses at the lot level with the Master Gardener Volunteer and FFL programs, from supply of plant material to installation and maintenance over time, PREC focuses at a larger scale, such as how would we implement FFL or a similar program in large scale developments with thousands of homes.
Finally, the third program within CLUE is the IFAS Agricultural Best Management Practices program. This program works closely with the FDACS OAWP to provide research-based information to develop best management practices (BMPs) and education to facilitate the adoption of BMPs.
Agricultural BMPs and urban BMPs, while distinctly separate, also share synergies. One example with much interest is compost amendments to promote soil health, increase water holding capacity, and provide nutrients. Research and demonstration is occurring in urban landscapes and there is interest in agriculture.
Our Mission
The Center for Land Use Efficiency promotes the adoption of science-based practices and policies that measurably support an environmentally and socially vibrant life for Florida’s citizens. Research and Extension programs largely relate to water quality and quantity and various best management practices (BMPs) in the following areas:
- Agriculture
- Urban and suburban landscapes
- Large-scale development
Supporting Research
The CLUE Program Enhancement and Graduate Student Grants support research and extension projects, as well as graduate student activity related to the mission of the Center for Land Use Efficiency including projects related to agricultural and urban land use. Projects that involve collaboration among center faculty, affiliates, and state and county specialists are strongly encouraged.
The extramural opportunities calendar lists funding opportunities of interest to our faculty. It is managed by Melissa Friedman, CLUE research coordinator, who works with our faculty in grant writing and collaboration.