The "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":http://watermatters.org, together with Citrus and Marion counties and the cities of Crystal River and Dunnellon, will proclaim March 14-20 as Springs Awareness Week.
Nitrate pollution from overusing fertilizers is one reason the quality of our springs is declining. Everyone who lives, works and plays in west-central Florida can take these simple steps to help protect our springs:
* Don't fertilize before a heavy rain.
* Sweep up any fertilizer spilled on paved areas or any excess on the lawn and place it back in the fertilizer bag.
* Use only slow-release fertilizer.
* Leave a 10-foot no-pesticide, no-fertilizer zone around water bodies.
* Hire only certified landscape professionals.
* Read and follow all fertilizer label instructions.
The Dunnellon City Commission, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the District's "Withlacoochee River Basin Board(Withlacoochee River Basin Board)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/basinboards/withlacoochee.php have already signed Springs Awareness Week proclamations. The City of Crystal River is scheduled to sign a proclamation on March 8, and the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners is set to sign their proclamation on March 9.
Here is a list of events taking place during Springs Awareness Week. These events are aimed at raising awareness about the health of the local springs and what people can do to protect them.
h2. Citrus County events
h3. March 13
Ask-An-Expert Booth – Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The Inverness Wal-Mart will host the Citrus County UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program consultation table. Master gardener volunteers will be available to answer your questions about drought-tolerant plants, yard pests and fertilizer. *Free*. Located at 2461 E. Gulf to Lakes Highway, Inverness.
h3. March 16
Basics of Fertilizing Class – Tuesday, 10 a.m.–noon. UF/IFAS Citrus County "Extension office(Find your local county Extension office)":http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/index.html will host a fertilizer class for the do-it-yourself landscaper. Topics include appropriate fertilizing techniques, how overfertilizing impacts our water, and a general overview of water quality in Citrus County springs. This presentation is *free*, but space is limited. Please RSVP at (352) 527-5700. Located at the "UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension office(Citrus County Extension office)":http://www.bocc.citrus.fl.us/commserv/extension/extension_services.htm, 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 1, Lecanto.
h3. March 17
2010 Green Business Conference – Wednesday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. The Citrus County Green Building Council will host a conference showcasing the latest information on trends and technologies in the green industry that impact all businesses. Cost is $25 (includes lunch). For more information, call (352) 746-9028 or email info@citrusbuilders.com. Located at "Central Florida Community College(Central Florida Community College Citrus campus)":http://citrus.cf.edu/, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.
h3. March 19
Springshed Tour – Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The Southwest Florida Water Management District will host this tour that will include a bus ride to Dames Caves and a boat ride through Crystal River/Kings Bay. This tour is *free*, but space is limited. You should bring a brown bag lunch, but light snacks and drinks will be provided. Wear walking shoes. Please RSVP to Toi Basso at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4756.
h3. March 20
Ask-An-Expert Booth – Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The Crystal River Home Depot will host the Citrus County UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program consultation table. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your questions about drought-tolerant plants, yard pests and fertilizer. *Free*. Located at 70 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River.
Introduction to "Florida-Friendly Landscaping™(Florida-Friendly Landscaping)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/yards and Garden Tour – Saturday, 1–3:30 p.m. The Citrus County UF/IFAS Extension office is offering an introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping class and guided garden tour. Included is a free expert analysis for residents who ordered soil tests through UF/IFAS. This class is *free*, but space is limited. RSVP by calling (352) 527-5700. Located at UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension office, 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 1, Lecanto.
h3. March 23
Introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and Garden Tour – Tuesday, 2–4:30 p.m. The Citrus County UF/IFAS Extension office is offering an introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping class and guided garden tour. Included is a free expert analysis for residents who ordered soil tests through UF/IFAS. This class is *free*, but space is limited. RSVP by calling (352) 527-5700. Located at UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension office, 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 1, Lecanto.
h2. Marion County Events
h3. March 13–14
16th Annual "Marion County Master Gardeners' Spring Festival(Marion County Master Gardeners' Spring Festival)":http://www.marioncountyfl.org/CountyExtension/Gardening_SpringFest.aspx – Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. More than 140 plant-related vendors come together to sell plants, flowers, garden décor, fountains and water pond accessories. There will also be *free* seminars, education booths and a Florida-Friendly landscaping presentation. $1 admission, kids 12 and under *free*. Located at the "UF/IFAS Marion County Extension office(Marion County Extension office)":http://www.marioncountyfl.org/CountyExtension/Extension_default.aspx, 2232 N.E. Jacksonville Road, Ocala, next to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion.
h3. March 14
Dunnellon Stormdrain Marking Event – Sunday, 10 a.m. Volunteers will learn how trash placed in a storm drain will flow to the Rainbow River, Withlacoochee River or to Blue Lake. Participants will mark storm drains in Dunnellon to remind residents to help keep our water bodies clean. For more information or to participate, contact Rivard Reding at (352) 476-4941.
h3. March 18
Springshed Tour – Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The Southwest Florida Water Management District will host this tour that will include a bus ride through the springshed and a boat ride down the Rainbow River. This tour is *free*, but space is limited. You should bring a brown bag lunch, but light snacks and drinks will be provided. Wear walking shoes. Please RSVP to Alexis Teran by phone at (352) 372-4747, ext. 7022, or by email at ateran@pandionsystems.com.
h3. March 20
Ask-An-Expert Booth – Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon. The Belleview Kmart will host this booth provided by the Marion County UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your questions about fertilizer and other gardening topics. *Free*. Located at 10301 S.E. U.S. Highway 441, Belleview.
Ask-An-Expert Booth – Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Ocala Lowe's will host this booth provided by the Marion County UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your questions about fertilizer and other gardening topics. *Free*. Located at 7575 N.W. 90th Ave., Ocala.
h3. March 26
Blue Run Park Volunteer Planting – Friday, 9 a.m. Volunteers will install aquatic plants at Blue Run Park pond in Dunnellon. These plants will help filter stormwater runoff and pollutants from entering the pond, as well as the Rainbow River. For more information or to participate, contact Rivard Reding at (352) 476-4941.
Nitrate pollution from overusing fertilizers is one reason the quality of our springs is declining. Everyone who lives, works and plays in west-central Florida can take these simple steps to help protect our springs:
* Don't fertilize before a heavy rain.
* Sweep up any fertilizer spilled on paved areas or any excess on the lawn and place it back in the fertilizer bag.
* Use only slow-release fertilizer.
* Leave a 10-foot no-pesticide, no-fertilizer zone around water bodies.
* Hire only certified landscape professionals.
* Read and follow all fertilizer label instructions.
The Dunnellon City Commission, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the District's "Withlacoochee River Basin Board(Withlacoochee River Basin Board)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/basinboards/withlacoochee.php have already signed Springs Awareness Week proclamations. The City of Crystal River is scheduled to sign a proclamation on March 8, and the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners is set to sign their proclamation on March 9.
Here is a list of events taking place during Springs Awareness Week. These events are aimed at raising awareness about the health of the local springs and what people can do to protect them.
h2. Citrus County events
h3. March 13
Ask-An-Expert Booth – Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The Inverness Wal-Mart will host the Citrus County UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program consultation table. Master gardener volunteers will be available to answer your questions about drought-tolerant plants, yard pests and fertilizer. *Free*. Located at 2461 E. Gulf to Lakes Highway, Inverness.
h3. March 16
Basics of Fertilizing Class – Tuesday, 10 a.m.–noon. UF/IFAS Citrus County "Extension office(Find your local county Extension office)":http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/index.html will host a fertilizer class for the do-it-yourself landscaper. Topics include appropriate fertilizing techniques, how overfertilizing impacts our water, and a general overview of water quality in Citrus County springs. This presentation is *free*, but space is limited. Please RSVP at (352) 527-5700. Located at the "UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension office(Citrus County Extension office)":http://www.bocc.citrus.fl.us/commserv/extension/extension_services.htm, 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 1, Lecanto.
h3. March 17
2010 Green Business Conference – Wednesday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. The Citrus County Green Building Council will host a conference showcasing the latest information on trends and technologies in the green industry that impact all businesses. Cost is $25 (includes lunch). For more information, call (352) 746-9028 or email info@citrusbuilders.com. Located at "Central Florida Community College(Central Florida Community College Citrus campus)":http://citrus.cf.edu/, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.
h3. March 19
Springshed Tour – Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The Southwest Florida Water Management District will host this tour that will include a bus ride to Dames Caves and a boat ride through Crystal River/Kings Bay. This tour is *free*, but space is limited. You should bring a brown bag lunch, but light snacks and drinks will be provided. Wear walking shoes. Please RSVP to Toi Basso at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4756.
h3. March 20
Ask-An-Expert Booth – Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The Crystal River Home Depot will host the Citrus County UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program consultation table. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your questions about drought-tolerant plants, yard pests and fertilizer. *Free*. Located at 70 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River.
Introduction to "Florida-Friendly Landscaping™(Florida-Friendly Landscaping)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/yards and Garden Tour – Saturday, 1–3:30 p.m. The Citrus County UF/IFAS Extension office is offering an introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping class and guided garden tour. Included is a free expert analysis for residents who ordered soil tests through UF/IFAS. This class is *free*, but space is limited. RSVP by calling (352) 527-5700. Located at UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension office, 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 1, Lecanto.
h3. March 23
Introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and Garden Tour – Tuesday, 2–4:30 p.m. The Citrus County UF/IFAS Extension office is offering an introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping class and guided garden tour. Included is a free expert analysis for residents who ordered soil tests through UF/IFAS. This class is *free*, but space is limited. RSVP by calling (352) 527-5700. Located at UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension office, 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 1, Lecanto.
h2. Marion County Events
h3. March 13–14
16th Annual "Marion County Master Gardeners' Spring Festival(Marion County Master Gardeners' Spring Festival)":http://www.marioncountyfl.org/CountyExtension/Gardening_SpringFest.aspx – Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. More than 140 plant-related vendors come together to sell plants, flowers, garden décor, fountains and water pond accessories. There will also be *free* seminars, education booths and a Florida-Friendly landscaping presentation. $1 admission, kids 12 and under *free*. Located at the "UF/IFAS Marion County Extension office(Marion County Extension office)":http://www.marioncountyfl.org/CountyExtension/Extension_default.aspx, 2232 N.E. Jacksonville Road, Ocala, next to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion.
h3. March 14
Dunnellon Stormdrain Marking Event – Sunday, 10 a.m. Volunteers will learn how trash placed in a storm drain will flow to the Rainbow River, Withlacoochee River or to Blue Lake. Participants will mark storm drains in Dunnellon to remind residents to help keep our water bodies clean. For more information or to participate, contact Rivard Reding at (352) 476-4941.
h3. March 18
Springshed Tour – Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The Southwest Florida Water Management District will host this tour that will include a bus ride through the springshed and a boat ride down the Rainbow River. This tour is *free*, but space is limited. You should bring a brown bag lunch, but light snacks and drinks will be provided. Wear walking shoes. Please RSVP to Alexis Teran by phone at (352) 372-4747, ext. 7022, or by email at ateran@pandionsystems.com.
h3. March 20
Ask-An-Expert Booth – Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon. The Belleview Kmart will host this booth provided by the Marion County UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your questions about fertilizer and other gardening topics. *Free*. Located at 10301 S.E. U.S. Highway 441, Belleview.
Ask-An-Expert Booth – Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Ocala Lowe's will host this booth provided by the Marion County UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your questions about fertilizer and other gardening topics. *Free*. Located at 7575 N.W. 90th Ave., Ocala.
h3. March 26
Blue Run Park Volunteer Planting – Friday, 9 a.m. Volunteers will install aquatic plants at Blue Run Park pond in Dunnellon. These plants will help filter stormwater runoff and pollutants from entering the pond, as well as the Rainbow River. For more information or to participate, contact Rivard Reding at (352) 476-4941.