The Southwest Florida Water Management District is announcing the recipients of the 2005 Community Education Grant Program. The grants, which are up to $5,000 each, will help fund projects that provide communities the opportunity to learn about water resources.
This year the District awarded 29 grants Districtwide for a total of $107,667.
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 is the ninth year community education grants have been available.
Here are the Manatee County recipients in the Manasota Basin:
New College of Florida will receive $3,645 for the “Drip It! Don’t Drench It!” Program. New College of Florida will inform approximately 1,200 Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores residents about conserving water through drip irrigation methods by hosting demonstrations on setting up drip irrigation systems. Free consultations will also be offered to residents who require further assistance. Participants will have the opportunity to view diagrams illustrating examples of Florida-friendly landscape designs and layouts. Participants will also be given a drip irrigation starter kit and a copy of the Districts Waterwise plant guide.
The City of Palmetto will receive $2,561 for the Palmetto Water Protection Education Project. This project will educate approximately 20,000 residents and visitors about the importance of reducing litter and protecting stormwater systems. The city is promoting their message on litterbags that will be given out at city hall, the police department, the tourist office and the chamber of commerce.
The Manatee County Extension Service will receive $3,714 for the “Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Goes to Market” program. The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program will inform approximately 2,000 people per month about the principles and benefits of Florida-friendly landscaping. Presentations will be held on the first Saturday of every month at the Main Street Market in downtown Bradenton. The grant funds pay for the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods display panels, table, materials and postage. The display table will have free publications from the University of Florida/IFAS and the District. Participants interested in having their yards evaluated can speak with a master gardener and arrange for appropriate follow-up.
Funding for these projects comes from the Manasota Basin Board. The Manasota Basin includes Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2006 Community Education Grant Program will begin its application process in August of this year if funding is approved by the Basin Boards. The deadline for applications is tentatively scheduled for October. To be added to the mailing list to receive the 2006 application, call the District’s Communications Department at 800-423-1476 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757.