The Southwest Florida Water Management District recently recognized 14 Hillsborough County projects as outstanding school, community grant or volunteer programs that focus on water resources education. A total of 52 projects were recognized during the October 7 Reflect, Connect, Celebrate Water Resources Education Conference at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs.
To select the awardees, District staff reviewed grants applied for by teachers 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.
Here’s a list of recipients from Hillsborough County grouped by the appropriate Basin:
Alafia River Basin
The Alafia River Basin is located in the southern half of Hillsborough County and a portion of Polk County.
Clair-Mel Elementary, Rivers and Rain Barrels
Students learned about Floridas water systems through water sampling and map study. They visited the Florida Aquarium to study flora and fauna. Older students studied tap water and analyze it for various elements. They compared the tap water data to rain water collected and river water. Additionally the students visited a water treatment facility, mentored younger students, and monitored water savings gained from rain barrel usage.
Invasive Species Task Force, Invasive Species Field Guide
Residents throughout the Tampa Bay area were educated on the identification and control of non-native invasive plants through the “Invasive Species Field Guide.” A resource section lists contact information for agencies and groups supporting the control of invasive plants. The guide also includes information to encourage stewardship and volunteerism.
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center
Approximately 5,000 people in the Tampa Bay area participated in a watershed mini-festival. Interactive booths presented information on alternative water sources, water quality, water conservation, flood protection, natural systems, watersheds and ecosystems. Many Environmental organizations distributed education materials, and 20 hands-on activities from th – #8217;s Watershed Patch Project were available for festival attendees.
Hillsborough River Basin
The Hillsborough River Basin includes portions of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties.
Egypt Lake Elementary, What are the environmental realities? (W.A.T.E.R.)
Students learned about central Florida watersheds, conservation and positive personal impacts. Students visited a local park and investigated the subjects they learned in a hands-on setting.
Twin Lakes Elementary, “Kimonos, Molas, or Bermuda shorts”
Students studied the universal problems facing natural resources. Students investigated soil and leaf litter to document species’ populations, planted drought-tolerant plants and created water-related worries of art.
The Florida Aquarium, Invasive Species Exhibit
Approximately 600,000 annual Florida Aquarium visitors have experienced this exhibit featuring invasive species affecting natural ecosystems in southwest Florida. This exhibit details how invasive species are introduced their negative impact, control methods and what individuals can do to minimize the introduction of invasive species into natural systems. Individual exhibits include tanks displaying prevalent invasive plant and animal species found in our region, and interactive exhibits with computer and video activities, interpretive graphics and signage.
Hillsborough County Water Department and Tampa Water Department, Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program (Water C.H.A.M.P)
Over 50 hotels and motels throughout Hillsborough County are participating in the Water C.H.A.M.P. This project provides participants with materials to implement a linens and towels reuse program, self-audit checklist and educational workshops. Besides saving a significant amount of water, hotels and motels can save up to $1 per occupied room per day by participating in the program.
Northwest Hillsborough Basin
The Northwest Hillsborough Basin is located in Northwest Hillsborough County.
Northwest Elementary, Wetland Watchmen Program
Third grade students at Northwest Elementary tested water near their school and discovered high levels of coliform bacteria in the wetland adjacent to their playground area. Students took action by inviting an official from the Environmental Protection Commission to tour their site. Students also took action by picking up litter and developing a brochure about the importance of wetlands to share with the student body.
The following projects are in all three basins within Hillsborough County:
Hillsborough County Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program
This program educates homeowners, irrigation and landscape professionals and students on Florida-friendly landscaping and how by following the nin – principles, residents can act in ways that protect the watershed in which they live. This project spans all three basins within Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough River Greenways Task Force, Frog Listening Network Re-certification Course
Approximately 150 participants were trained in “Frog Listening Network” (FLN) techniques and learned why frogs and toads need a healthy, adequate water supply to survive and reproduce. Volunteer training included: (1) identifying calls of each frog and toad, (2) appearance and habitats, (3) importance of healthy ecosystems, (4) native and exotic species, (5) listening locations and frequency, and (6) submitting data. Volunteers experienced a guided listening session on a walk through Lettuce Lake Park.
Tampa Water Department, Art Council of Hillsborough County and Hillsborough County Water Department, Water Conservation Education Theatre Project
The Water Conservation Education Theatre Project is an in-school, arts-based project that fosters individual (student, teacher and parent) responsibility to protect and conserve southwest Florida’s water resources. This project reached more than 65,000 elementary and middle-school students (K-6) and 2,000 teachers in Hillsborough County public schools. The program includes 200 live theatrical presentations and associate – focused curriculum materials.
Tampa Bay Water, Best Management Practices for Maintenance of Low-flow Toilets
To protect long-lasting water savings in low-flow toilets, Tampa bay water developed a flapper awareness program to educate the public about correct flapper selection and installation. The program, which has grown to national significance, will affect manufacturers of both toilets and flappers and ultimately help educate the public. This project also includes the Pinellas-Anclote River Basin.
The Florida Aquarium, A Community Education Outreach Program on Watersheds and Water Resources
This two-part project educated K-8 students on the importance of water quality, water conservation and habitat protection so that they can become watershed stewards. The first part of the program consisted of a series of after-school outreach programs for low-income, at-risk youths. The second part of the program included a summer “Art-O-Fishal” fun camp where each student created a work of art and a writing sample related to the curriculum. This project also includes the Pinellas-Anclote River Basin.