The Southwest Florida Water Management District is proud to announce the recipients of the 2006 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 34 grants Districtwide for a total of $151,278. Of those 34 grants awarded, six were awarded to groups in Polk County.
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. Funding for the following projects comes from the Peace River Basin Board, which includes portions of Charlotte, Hardee, Desoto, Highlands, and Polk counties.
The University of Florida will receive $5,000 for the Lake Hollingsworth Interpretive Nature Trail. The Natural Resource Communication class will develop interpretive signage emphasizing the relationship between lake health and human health. The educational signage will address issues like landscaping, lawn over-watering, fertilizer use, invasive species and pet waste. The goal is to motivate people to change their
daily behaviors to benefit the health of the lake.
The Lakes Education/Action Drive will receive $5,000 for Lake Parker Lakeside Display Signs. This project is an expansion of the cooperator’s previous efforts. Approximately 7,500 people per year will view the water quality messages at the three locations. The educational signage will feature information about stormwater runoff, lakeside habitat, flood protection and the LakeParker/Peace River watershed. The goal is to inform residents and visitors about how their actions directly impact the quality of the lake.
Florida Citrus Mutual will receive $4,863 for Enhanced Water Management Education. This project is an expansion of the cooperator’s previous efforts. The project will provide two workshops for citrus growers. Workshop topics include best management practices for irrigation, a tour and other hands-on water conservation activities. These workshops target approximately 4,300 citrus growers within the District, many of whom have requested a hands-on conservation workshop.
The Village of Highland Park will receive $2,600 for Highland Park Water Matters! This one-day workshop will focus on the importance of water conservation, the Southern Water Use Caution Area, Polk County’s perspectives on water use and Florida-friendly landscaping techniques. Workshop attendees will include community leaders and residents. The workshop will include speakers, a guided pontoon boat ride on Lake Easy and educational displays. The workshop will also be broadcast on Polk County government channel so more residents will have the opportunity to view the information.
Polk County Utilities (PCU) will receive $4,537 for the Polk County Utilities Water Conservation Education Program. This project is an expansion of the cooperator’s previous efforts. This project consists of a public outreach program to inform PCU customers about water conservation. PCU expects to reach approximately 3,000 people at public events. Members of the public who answer water conservation questions will receive water conservation items, including low-flow faucet aerators, rain gauges and water-saving devices. PCU will also conduct a Commercial Kitchen Spray Nozzle pilot project. Commercial customers with high water use will be targeted to receive the lower-flow nozzles in combination with developing a water conservation plan.
The Polk County Extension Service Office will receive $5,000 for the Florida-Friendly Landscape at Polk Outpost 27. This project is an expansion of the cooperator’s previous efforts. Approximately 130,000 people each year will see this demonstration landscaping that promotes Florida-friendly landscaping. Educational signage explaining the benefits of Florida-friendly landscaping is included. Visitors will attend workshops, tour the gardens and receive educational materials.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2007 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 September. To be added to the mailing list to receive the 2007 application, call the District’s Communications Department at 800-423-1476 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757.