The Southwest Florida Water Management District honored three outstanding Hillsborough County projects that focused on water resources education. A total of 26 projects were recognized Wednesday during the “Partners in Watershed Education Conference” at the Crowne Plaza Tampa East Hotel.
- Diane King and Brad Jackson, Valrico Elementary School teachers, were recognized for their project, “Cycles of Life.” As part of a 2006-2007 Splash! mini-grant project, 30 elementary students learned about hydroponics and set up a lab using reclaimed water from aquariums to grow vegetables. The students learned how using water from the aquarium is not only a water source for animals, but also a natural fertilizer as well. Students collected rain water from rain barrels to replace the aquarium water and tracked the water collection amounts. During this study, the students also learned about the water cycle, nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle and the phosphorous cycle. They recorded their experiences and designed PowerPoint presentations, which were viewed by all of the students at the school.
- Jane Gucciardo, a teacher at Bob Martinez Middle School, was recognized for her project, “Martinez, Mother Nature and Conservation.” As part of a 2006–2007 Splash! mini-grant, students visited Brooker Creek where they learned more about their local watershed and the importance of protecting it. After obtaining the proper permit, students created logo stencils that they spray painted near storm sewers so community members would know where water goes once it enters the sewers. Students also maintained a Florida-friendly demonstration garden on campus and listed Florida-friendly tips and water conservation methods on the school’s web site.
- John McGee was recognized for his work with the Hillsborough County Adopt-A-Pond program. This hands-on program teaches citizens to manage ponds, reduce stormwater pollution and increase pond habitat. Services provided to program participants include pond site visits, pond plan and education meetings, pond cleanups, training on best management practices and plant identifications, and selection and ordering of plants. The Adopt-A-Pond program also provides in-school programs on water pollution.
Projects in Hillsborough County received funding from one or more of the following District Basin Boards: Alafia River, Hillsborough River or Northwest Hillsborough.
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.