The 11th Annual Marion County Master Gardeners’ Spring Festival is the place where gardeners will have the opportunity to learn about water conservation in several ways. The festival is being held March 12 and 13 at the Marion County Extension Service Office in Ocala.
Gardeners can learn about water conservation through micro-irrigation and rain barrel workshops. Other workshop topics include weed control, pest control, types of fertilizer, native plants, and how to attract birds. In addition, the Waters Journey video will be shown four times throughout the festival.
Attendees will also have the chance to check out the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s popular and practical water conservation restroom trailer.
The trailer features air conditioning, six private half baths with water conservation features, running water, lights, mirrors and a bathroom attendant who will keep the stalls clean and stocked.
In addition to providing an interactive opportunity for visitors to experience water conservation in action, the trailer also features water conservation displays and materials, including the District’s “12 Simple Ways to Save Water” publication and recorded public service announcements.
“Community events like this provide the District an opportunity to bring its water conservation message directly to the residents,” said Melissa Roe, project manager.
The Spring Festival is being co-sponsored by the Marion County Extension Service’s Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program, Marion County Board of Commissioners, University of Florida, Southwest Florida Water Management District, St. Johns River Water Management District and Party Time Rentals. Funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District comes from a $5,000 community education grant. There is no charge for admission or parking. In the past, the two-day festival has attracted 8,000 people.
Please see the District’s web site www.WaterMatters.org for more information about water conservation.