Visitors of the 13th Annual Marion County Master Gardeners’ Spring Festival will have the opportunity to experience water conservation in action when they stop in and use the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s water conservation restroom station.
The festival is being held March 10 and 11 at the Marion County Extension Service Office in Ocala. The office is located at 2232 N.E. Jacksonville Rd.
Community festivals allow the District to spread the word about water conservation to a variety of audiences by taking the comforts of a private, water-conserving bathroom on the road.
The trailer features air conditioning, six private half baths with water conservation features, running water, lights, mirrors and a bathroom attendant who will keep the stalls clean and stocked. It also features the District’s Florida-Friendly Yards “Grow Smart” campaign through water conservation displays and materials, including the District’s Florida-Friendly tip cards and recorded public service announcements.
“This is the time of year when people are inspired to perk up their yards, making it a great time to talk about Florida-friendly landscaping,” said Melissa Roe, senior communications coordinator. “Reinforcing the message through our water conservation restrooms is a natural step.”
Gardening enthusiasts who attend the festival can also learn about water conservation through Florida-Friendly landscaping workshops. Other workshop topics include composting; creating herb and butterfly gardens; native plants; protecting the river; controlling insects and other pests; and
how to attract birds.
For more information about the workshops and seminars, please call the extension service office at (352) 671-8400.
There is no charge for admission or parking. In the past, the two-day festival has attracted 8,000 people.
To learn more about the District’s water conservation programs and easy ways to conserve water at home, visit the District’s web site at www.WaterMatters.org.