Four Polk County projects that are expected to reach approximately 6,000 residents were awarded Community Education Grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. These grants provide up to $5,000 to help fund projects that provide communities an opportunity to learn about water resources.
This year the District awarded 38 grants Districtwide for a total of $136,598. This is the 11th 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 watershed protection through various activities and educational formats.
The following three projects are funded by the Peace River Basin Board, which includes portions of Charlotte, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, and Polk counties.
The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods/Polk County Extension will receive $3,105 to conduct several Florida-friendly landscaping workshops to neighborhood associations in the northeast portion of the county. This area is being targeted because of its high water use due to heavy residential development. Participants will learn how to conserve water in the landscape, use and maintain their irrigation system and reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The project will reach approximately 1,000 people.
Haines City will receive $2,327 for the “Water and Me” workshop. This project will show Haines City-area residents how to conserve water inside and outside the home. Participants who complete a survey will receive conservation kits that include water conservation products and information. Grant funds will be used to purchase faucet aerators, shower timers, drip counters, hot water gauges and water hose nozzles for participants. The program’s goal is to encourage residents to change water wasting behaviors. Approximately 2,000 people will be reached through this project.
The Health Chic, Inc. will receive $5,000 for a Haines City Earth Day event, which will feature Florida-friendly landscaping and the District’s drought messaging. The event will also demonstrate current watershed conditions and promote water conservation. Attendees will be encouraged to sign a pledge to reduce their water use. The pledge will be posted on multiple web sites to generate enthusiasm. Approximately 1,500 people will be reached through this project.
Funding for the following project comes from the Alafia River Basin Board, the Hillsborough River Basin Board and the Peace River Basin Board. The Alafia River Basin Board includes the southern half of Hillsborough County and the southwestern portion of Polk County. The Hillsborough River Basin includes portions of Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties.
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners will receive $3,226 for “Water, Wings and Wild Things: Polk Naturefest 2008.” The annual nature celebration in Polk County provides an age-diverse audience with the opportunity to learn about local
natural resources and nature-based recreation. The goal of the event is to educate citizens about natural resources, including water resources, with the intent on changing behavior. Grant funds would be used for rental of tables, chairs, portable toilets and hand-washing stations; site security; wildlife presentations and event fliers. Expected attendance is 1,500.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2009 Community Education Grant Program will begin its application process in June 2008. For more information, please call the District’s Communications Department at 1-800-423-1476 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757.