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One of the best places to take on actions that help protect water quality and conserve water resources is in your own yard. If you’re not allowed to or don’t have a yard, check in with your teachers to see if you and your friends can make positive changes right at school! Small changes outdoors can make a big difference in protecting Florida’s environment and keeping your local watershed healthy. The number of people moving to Florida is growing every…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved a project to reduce groundwater pumping up to 1,358,400 gallons per day (gpd) at a Charlotte County citrus grove.The Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems (FARMS) program is a cost-share reimbursement program that conserves water and protects water quality.The FARMS project, proposed by Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., C & S Grove, is located within the Shell Creek Watershed in…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Tuesday approved a project to reduce groundwater pumping up to 200,000 gallons per day (gpd) at a Manatee County citrus grove.The Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems (FARMS) program is a cost-share reimbursement program that conserves water and protects water quality.The FARMS project, proposed by CFI USA, Inc., is located upstream from Lake Manatee on its 332-acre citrus grove. Lake Manatee is…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is working with Pinellas County Utilities to promote water conservation by providing toilet rebates of up to $100 for each high-volume toilet replaced with a low-flow model.High-volume toilets can use three gallons or more per flush, while low-flow toilets use up to 1.6 gallons per flush.The program targets residential and commercial customers of Pinellas County Utilities and the cities of Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Safety…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved a project to reduce groundwater pumping up to 1,076,100 gallons per day (gpd) at a Highlands County citrus grove.The Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems (FARMS) program is a cost-share reimbursement program that conserves water and protects water quality.The FARMS project, proposed by Turner Groves Limited Partnership-Hickory Grove, has an existing water use permit that…

Choose from hundreds of establishmentsThe Southwest Florida Water Management District is encouraging summer vacationers to stay at a hotel or motel that participates in the District’s Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program (Water CHAMP).“July is a popular time of year for family vacations but leaving home doesn’t mean travelers should take a vacation from being environmentally responsible,” said Amy Harroun, Water CHAMP coordinator.More than 450…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is encouraging residents who irrigate their lawns to take advantage of the recent rains and upcoming summer wet season, and “watch the weather, wait to water.” During the summer months of June, July, August and September, yards need no more than 3/4 inch of…

Lake Panasoffkee water is clearer, eelgrass is thicker and fisheries are richer in response to the recent restoration project and effective management of lake levels, according to the District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials. The lake continues to respond well following the dredging restoration project, which was completed in November 2008. The 10-year, $26.9 million project restored Lake Panasoffkee’s historic fish bedding areas and…

Governing Board member Wendy J. Griffin. From the lot they parked on to the prairie landscape they walked by, guests were surrounded by the messages of water conservation. Archbold Biological Station recently unveiled its new education exhibits and signs during a dedication ceremony. The facility, located in Highlands County, is a not-for-profit independent research institution in central Florida. The station is dedicated to long-term ecological research…

The Heritage Pines environmental committee will receive a $4,989 grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 2007 Community Education Grant Program.The residents of Heritage Pines, located in Pasco County, were awarded the funds for a series of Florida-friendly lectures and workshops, which will include planting a Florida-friendly demonstration garden. Approximately 2,400 residents live in the Heritage Pines community. Many of the residents are…

Five Polk County projects expected to reach up to 250,000 people were recently awarded Community Education Grants from the "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/.The overall goal of the Community Education Grant program is to actively engage adults in water-related issues including conservation, protection and preservation. Funded by the "District's Basin Boards(Basin Boards)":/about/basinboards/, the program is intended…

 Chair McCree and her assistants demonstrate the water cycle at St. Mary's Episcopal Day School. Chair McCree used two volunteers, a cotton ball, water and a pan to demonstrate the water cycle. One student volunteer was the “sun,” while another held a cotton ball and was a “cloud.” The exercise showed the kindergarteners the process of evaporation, how rain is made and how water moves in a continuous cycle. Afterward, Chair McCree modeled water…

Overwatering in winter can encourage pests and diseaseThe Southwest Florida Water Management District is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to "Skip a Week" or more of watering during the cooler months of December, January and February.According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn't need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. In fact, if your lawn has received…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water hyacinth and water lettuce on portions of Shell and Prairie creeks March 17-20. The sites are located upstream of the Henderson Dam in Charlotte County.Treatment involves the spot application of the aquatic herbicide Reward to scattered infestations. Treated areas will be posted with warning signs that display treatment dates and applicable water use restrictions. Surface water treated with Reward…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water hyacinth and water lettuce on portions of Shell and Prairie creeks Jan. 28-31. The sites are located upstream of the Henderson Dam in Charlotte County.Treatment involves the spot application of the aquatic herbicide Reward to scattered infestations. Treated areas will be posted with warning signs that display treatment dates and applicable water use restrictions. Surface water treated with Reward should…