Three Sarasota County projects expected to reach nearly 6,200 residents were awarded Community Education Grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. These grants offer up to $5,000 to help fund projects that provide communities an opportunity to learn about water resources.
This year the District awarded 32 grants Districtwide. This is the 12th 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.
Funding for the following three projects is provided by the District’sManasota Basin Board. The Manasota Basin includes Manatee and Sarasota counties.
ThePelican Cove Condominium Association will receive $5,000 for a water conservation program that focuses on fixing leaking faucets and toilets. The condo association believes it can reduce water loss by at least 100,000 gallons a month by educating its residents about water loss through leaky faucets and toilets. Community workshops will be held to teach residents how to check for leaks and how to replace toilet flappers. Staff will also help residents with these tasks and will measure water changes by monitoring the master meter. This project is expected to reach 1,200 residents.
ThePeople for Trees, Inc. will receive $1,606 for its “Water Conservation by Land and Watershed Appreciation by Sea” project. The group will hold a Florida-friendly tree workshop in April to teach North Port residents about the best choices for drought-tolerant, fertilizer- and pesticide-free plants. Workshop attendees and members of the “Eco-Kids Club” will also be invited to take part in an eco-boat tour of Gasparilla Bay in May to learn about estuaries and the effects of stormwater runoff. Project success will be measured by the number of workshop attendees and the number of people who sign up for personal Florida-friendly consultations. This project is expected to reach approximately 400 people.
TheCity of North Port Utilities Department will receive $5,000 for its “Water is Precious” calendar. This project involves creating a calendar that features water-related artwork from local elementary students and water conservation messages, including a monthly conservation tip. Calendar recipients must sign a water conservation petition. Project success will be measured by the number of calendars distributed and the results of a four-month assessment of homeowners’ water savings. This project is expected to reach approximately 4,600 people.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2010 Community Education Grant program will begin its application process in June 2009. For more information, please call the District’s Communications Department at 1-800-423-1476 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757.