DeSoto County will receive a $3,000 grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2006 Community Education Grant Program.
DeSoto County was awarded the funds for Water Education Day. This public event will focus on the personal connection of 10,400 low socio-economic DeSoto County residents to the watershed. Participants will be asked about their current knowledge before attending an informal talk about the Peace River watershed and a native plant demonstration garden. A water conservation kiosk and plant identification signs will also be installed at the garden.
The project is funded by the District’s Peace River Basin Board, which includes portions of Charlotte, Hardee, Desoto, Highlands, and Polk counties.
This year the District awarded 34 grants Districtwide for a total of $151,278. The grants, which are up to $5,000 each, help fund projects that provide communities the opportunity to learn about water resources.
The overall goal of the Community Education Grant Program is to actively engage adults in water-related issues pertaining to conservation, protection and preservation. Funded by the District’s Basin Boards, the program is intended to motivate communities to get involved in water protection through various activities and educational formats.
This is the ninth year community education grants have been available.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2007 Community Education Grant Program will begin its application process in August of this year if funding is approved by the Basin Boards. The deadline for applications is tentatively scheduled for September. To be added to the mailing list to receive the 2007 Application and Guidelines, call the District’s Communications Department at 800-423-1476 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757.