Coastal Georgia Green Communities Program

This program is an eco-recognition and technical assistance program for property owner associations committed to strengthening environmental stewardship, community resilience, and long-term sustainability along Georgia’s coast.

The Coastal GA Green Communities Program helps HOAs and neighborhood associations turn good intentions into practical, achievable environmental action. With expert guidance, community engagement tools, and a clear pathway to recognition, this program is a fun and social way to better your community!

Why This Program Matters

Coastal Georgia communities face increasing challenges related to stormwater, flooding, habitat loss, water quality, wildlife conflicts, energy use, and light pollution. HOAs and neighborhood boards play a powerful role in shaping how communities respond.

This program supports communities in:

Improving stormwater and pond management
Protecting wildlife habitat and reducing conflicts
Encouraging native landscaping and pollinator support
Reducing waste and energy use
Integrating nature-based solutions into existing infrastructure
Strengthening communication between boards and residents

By working together, neighborhoods can become models of local resilience that contribute to regional environmental health.

How It Works

Communities move through five phases:

1. Assessment

We begin by meeting with the HOA board and/or management company to:

Review covenants, rules, and site plans
Conduct an environmental audit
Identify opportunities related to stormwater, landscaping, sustainability, wildlife, and more
Host an introductory outreach event for residents

Initial recommendations may address:

Stormwater & pond management
Native plants & landscaping BMPs
Wildlife habitat & conflict prevention
Energy use & light pollution
Waste reduction & composting
Nature-based solutions such as living shorelines and green infrastructure

2. Planning

Working with the board, we:
Conduct a community walkthrough
Provide finalized eco-recommendations
Identify which initiatives are best suited for individuals vs. community-wide adoption
Develop a realistic implementation roadmap

3. Outreach & Engagement

Community engagement is central to success.

We provide:

Surveys and listening sessions
Office hours and neighborhood meetings
Published recommendation summaries
Program “menu” of engagement options which may include
- Coastal Classroom- Animal and biofacts exhibits brought to your community
- Eco Experiences – Citizen science
- Stewardship Socials – Block parties and mixers
- WildWorks – Field trips and hands-on trainings

4. Implementation

Residents and communities earn Steward Badges by implementing and maintaining specific eco-recommendations.

Examples include:

Habitat & Landscaping

Plant Advocate – Native plants at least 50% (neighbor)
Super Plant Advocate – 80% native landscaping (neighbor) or native ordinances (community)
Pollinator plots and invasive species restrictions

Water & Stormwater

Waterwise – Rain barrels, smart irrigation, seasonal sprinkler use
Pond Protector – Aeration, vegetated banks, smart edge solutions
Superior Stormwater – Green infrastructure, permeable pavement, reduced impervious surfaces

Sustainability

Light Bright – Reduced light pollution after 10pm
Compost Champion – Composting systems
Sustainable Sirens – Cleanups and waste reduction pledges

When 25% of residents participate in a Neighbor Badge, the community earns a Community PLUS Badge.

5. Continued Engagement & Tier Recognition

Communities earn tier status based on the number of badges achieved and required benchmarks. Each tier comes with benefits and rewards for community members.

Peridot

Aventurine

Malachite

Jade

Emerald

Enroll today!

2026 Communities are currently being selected.

To apply, please contact vog.ag.rnd@egdod.ynattirB