The Southwest Florida Water Management District honored Kurt Vargo and Lorna Ransom from DeSoto County’s Parks and Recreation Department for their work on Water Education Day, an outstanding water resources education project. A total of 27 projects were recognized during the “Partners in Watershed Education Conference” at the Lake Mirror Complex in Lakeland.
“Water Education Day” targeted DeSoto County residents and their personal connection to the watershed. Participants were surveyed on their current knowledge, attended an informal lecture on the Peace River watershed and participated in a native plant demonstration garden. A water conservation kiosk and plant identification signs were also installed at the garden.
To select the awardees, District staff reviewed school projects funded through the Splash! mini-grant program and grants applied for by community members, local governments and non-profit groups through the community education grant program. District-sponsored programs that use volunteers to educate others about water conservation were also considered.
Many of the District’s grant projects focus on various aspects of all four of the District’s areas of responsibility water supply, water quality, natural systems protection and flood protection.
DeSoto County is part of the District’s Peace River Basin, which also includes portions of Charlotte, Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties.