The Heritage Pines environmental committee will receive a $4,989 grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2007 Community Education Grant Program.
The residents of Heritage Pines, located in Pasco County, were awarded the funds for a series of Florida-friendly lectures and workshops, which will include planting a Florida-friendly demonstration garden. Approximately 2,400 residents live in the Heritage Pines community. Many of the residents are senior citizens who are interested in learning about water conservation and how they can use Florida-friendly plants.
This year the District awarded 49 grants Districtwide for a total of $171,444. This is the 10th year Community Education Grants have been available.
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. The project is funded by the District’s Coastal Rivers Basin Board. The Coastal Rivers basin includes portions of Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2008 Community Education Grant Program will begin its application process in June of this year if funding is approved by the Basin Boards. To be added to the mailing list to receive the 2008 application, call the District’s Communications Department at 1-800-423-1476 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757.