Five Sarasota County projects expected to reach more than 7,000 people 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.
Funding for the following five projects is provided by the Manasota Basin Board. The Manasota Basin includes Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The Calusa Lakes & Woodland Trail Homeowners Association will receive $2,500 for project that will demonstrate Florida-friendly landscaping principles and micro-irrigation. The project involves replanting 15,000 square feet of turf and weed covered land. The goals of this project are to reduce water use by 80 percent and to educate homeowners about the benefits of Florida-friendly landscaping in their own yards. Volunteers will participate in clearing the area and installing the plants and micro-irrigation system. The other residents will learn about the project through the association’s newsletter and web site as well as fliers, signage and potential newspaper articles. This project is expected to reach 2,500 people.
The Landings South 2 Condo Association will receive $2,500 for a volunteer project that involves restoring two large interconnected ponds on the property. Volunteers will learn about pond restoration and water protection. They will also help with planting aquatic vegetation and draft newspaper articles about the project. Residents will also learn about proper mowing and fertilizer practices. This project is expected to reach approximately 3,000 people.
The Pelican Cove Condominium Association will receive $2,500 for a project that involves planting aquatic and upland plants along the shorelines of neighborhood ponds. In addition, stormdrain skimmer boxes will be installed to further reduce harmful runoff. Residents will be encouraged to participate in the project through fliers, neighborhood meetings and potential news articles. This project is expected to reach approximately 1,200 people.
The Serenoa Lakes will receive $2,500 for a volunteer project that involves planting aquatic plants along the shorelines of seven ponds within the community. Two environmental seminars will be held to teach residents about wetland topics, including watersheds and aquatic planting skills. The plants will help control erosion, clean and filter storm water and provide wildlife habitat. This project is expected to reach approximately 300 people.
The Woodmere Lakes Homeowners Association, Inc. will receive $2,500 for a volunteer project that involves planting aquatic plants along four stormwater retention ponds within the community. The plants will help control erosion, improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat. Residents will learn about the importance of water quality through participation and signage. This project is expected to reach approximately 450 people.
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 800-423-1476 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757.