MANASOTA & PEACE RIVER BBDs Meeting Notebook 10-21-09.docx

W030
Tampa Bay Watch Field Trip Program
Project Type SWIM
AOR(s)
Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Alafia River, Hillsborough River, Pinellas-Anclote River, Manasota
Cooperator(s)
Tampa Bay Watch
Project Manager HULL, MARY MARGARET
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
Description
This Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) project educates elementary, middle and high school
students about estuarine science and empowers them to act as stewards of the Tampa Bay estuary by combining
classroom curriculum with 300 hands-on field experiences in and around Tampa Bay Watch's new Marine Science
Center. The cooperator expanded the program in FY2009 to include students in Hillsborough and Manatee counties,
while still serving schools throughout Pinellas County. In FY2010, the program continues to include the educational
field experiences, classroom presentations, teacher training, coastal plantings, oyster reef enhancement efforts and
coastal cleanups. These efforts will provide restoration of approximately seven acres of coastal and near-shore
habitat, build and install 200 new oyster domes and construct approximately 500 linear feet of new oyster shell bars.
The program's effectiveness is measured with student pre/posttests, journal work and teacher surveys.
Benefits
This project is designed to implement an environmental education initiative in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay was identified
as the highest priority on the District's SWIM priority list in 1988. The program's goals are to educate students and
teachers about the importance of estuarine habitats and restoration efforts and to empower them to become lifelong
stewards of Tampa Bay. With expansion of the programs into Hillsborough and Manatee counties and the addition of
Bay Grasses in Classes, this project features a more comprehensive environmental education restoration initiative,
reaching 12,600 students and adults.
Costs
The FY2010 total project cost is $307,500, with the District contributing $147,850 (Alafia River $29,570; Hillsborough
River $29,570; Pinellas-Anclote River $73,925; Manasota $14,785). The dollar amount allocated for each contributing
Basin Board is determined by the participating schools within each basin. District funds will be used for program
implementation, 300 field trips, three teacher training workshops, aquatic supplies, and equipment and field guides.
The program is projected to reach 12,600 students and adults at a cost to the District of $11.73 per person. The
budget lines below include costs for staff to manage the project.
Additional Information
The FY2009 total project cost was $297,190, with the District's contribution of $148,450 funded by SWIM $74,225 and
the remaining funding split among the following basin boards: Hillsborough River $7,423, Northwest
Hillsborough $7,422, Alafia River $14,845, Pinellas-Anclote River $37,113 and Manasota $7,422. District funding
is used for program implementation, 275 field trips, two teacher training workshops, aquatic supplies and equipment,
and field guides. The program is projected to reach 11,600 students at a cost to the District of $12.80 per person. The
District has supported this project since FY2007.
021 - Manasota Basin 37