The Southwest Florida Water Management District recently recognized six Polk County projects as outstanding school, community grant or volunteer programs that focus on water resources education. A total of 52 projects were recognized during the October 7 Reflect, Connect, Celebrate Water Resources Education Conference at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs.
To select the awardees, District staff reviewed grants applied for by teachers through the Splash! mini-grant program and grants applied for by community members, local governments and non-profit groups through the community education grant program. District-sponsored programs that use volunteers to educate others about water conservation were also considered.
Many of the District’s grant projects focus on various aspects of all four of the District’s areas of responsibility water supply, water quality, natural systems protection and flood protection.
Here are the Polk County recipients. Polk County is part of the Peace River Basin, which also includes portions of Charlotte, Hardee, Desoto, Highlands, and Polk counties.
Lorraine Lansford, Dixieland Elementary, Dixie Kids Water Resource Team
Puppetry and creative writing provided the vehicle for fifth-graders to learn about watersheds and the need for conservation. Students conducted research on watersheds to write a script for a puppet show explaining the importance of water conservation for future generations. The puppet show was performed for other students, as well as adult guests.
Lance Corlew, Frostproof Middle School, “Water Precious to the Last Drop”
Students received an interdisciplinary approach to water resources education, incorporating four subjects: science, English, math and social studies. Students participated in activities including water quality testing, water reousrces education lesions, charting home water usage, creating posters that reinforced a healthy water message and writing essays to express their impressions of the program.
Lake Wales Arts Council, “The Wonderful World of Water”
More than 4,600 students and adults visited “The Wonderful World of Water” art show at the Lake Wales Art Center and were educated on the personal and environmental benefits of water conservation. Group discussions and a video during their visit gave the students the opportunity to interact and learn about how they can personally conserve and preserve water resources. Students also learned about water conservation in class before they went to the exhibit.
Polk County Extension Service, Polk County Water School
Approximately 50 community, county and municipal decision-makers in Polk County were educated on the history of Florida water law and policy, hydrogeology, watershed management, current water management policies and issues relating to water resources in Florida. Participants attended five classroom sessions that covered water-related issues. A one-day tour included visits to water management sites in Polk County.
Florida Citrus Mutual, Enhanced Water Management Education
This program provided education to approximately 4,300 citrus growers throughout the District. The education focused on enhancing water conservation techniques, increasing water-use efficiency, the importance of documenting all water use, maintaining irrigation systems, using climatic information and calibrating water meters. Citrus growers received four newsletters, emails and access to an interactive Web site that provided information to citrus growers on permitting, tools/resources, water conservation and quality best management practices and protection of crops from cold temperatures.
Polk County Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program
The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program (FYN) in Polk County educates homeowners and students on Florida-friendly landscaping and how by following the nin – principles, residents can act in ways that protect the watershed in which they live.