The Marion County Extension Service Office will receive a $5,000 grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2006 Community Education Grant Program.
The Marion County Extension Service Office was awarded the funds for the Spring Festival 2006. This festival, which is being held March 11-12, is a continuation of the cooperator’s previous efforts. Approximately 16,000 residents will attend this one-day Florida-friendly landscaping festival. Workshops will provide information to residents about why it is important to conserve water, use rain barrels and maintain their landscape in an environmentally friendly way. A follow-up evaluation will be mailed to participants.
The project is funded by the District’s Withlacoochee River Basin Board, which includes portions of Pasco, Sumter, Hernando, Citrus, Marion, and Levy counties.
This year the District awarded 34 grants Districtwide for a total of $151,278. The grants, which are up to $5,000 each, help fund projects that provide communities the opportunity to learn about water resources.
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.
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 and Guidelines, call the District’s Communications Department at 800-423-1476 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757.