The Sumter County Extension will receive a $3,500 grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2007 Community Education Grant Program.
The Sumter County Extension was awarded the funds for the Lake Panasoffkee Preservation Celebration, which will provide more than 1,000 residents with the opportunity to learn more about the history, restoration and future preservation of Lake Panasoffkee. This one-day event will include a fishing derby, a river cleanup, the “Lake PanPal” pledge, a poster contest and other educational activities for adults and children.
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 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 project is funded by the District’s Withlacoochee River Basin Board. The Withlacoochee River basin includes portions of Citrus, Hernando, Levy, Marion, Pasco and Sumter counties.
This is the second year this project has received funding through the program.
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.