Two Highlands County projects expected to reach nearly 6,000 residents 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 projects comes from the Peace River Basin Board, which includes portions of Charlotte, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, and Polk counties.
The Rotary of Lake Placid will receive a $4,318 grant for an Earth Day/ Brazilian Pepper Eradication program. In addition to removing the invasive plants, classes will be held to educate volunteers about removing invasive plants, water conservation and improving water quality. Approximately 1,000 residents will be reached by this project.
The Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District will receive a $4,988 grant for a showerhead exchange program. The Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District will demonstrate low-flow showerheads to the public, as well as provide water conservation and watershed educational materials. Attendees will be encouraged to trade in old showerheads for a new low-flow showerhead. Follow-up surveys will be conducted to determine water savings. Approximately 5,000 residents will be reached by this project.
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 1-800-423-1476 or 352-796-7211, ext. 4757.