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

W032
HCC Foundation Field Trip Program
Project Type SWIM
AOR(s)
Water Supply, Flood Protection, Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Alafia River, Hillsborough River, Pinellas-Anclote River, Peace River
Cooperator(s)
Hillsborough Community College Foundation
Project Manager HULL, MARY MARGARET
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
Description
This Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) project includes four different field trip programs for
elementary, middle and high school students in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties. The four sites for the
field trips are English Creek, Upper Tampa Bay, Cockroach Bay and Hillsborough River State Park. The programs are
designed to give participants a better understanding of Florida's water resources through 120 hands-on field
experiences with HCC science professionals and ultimately to create the next generation of environmental stewards.
The project's effectiveness is measured through student pre/posttests and teacher surveys.
Benefits
Tampa Bay was identified as the highest priority on the District's Surface Water Improvement and Management
(SWIM) priority list in 1988. Further, this project is designed to implement an environmental education initiative in
Tampa Bay. These field expeditions help the District reach its educational goals by emphasizing water quality
improvement, water conservation and protection of natural systems within the District. By participating in this project,
5,000 students and teachers learn to be environmental stewards in their community and the District, promoting a future
of improved water quality, water conservation and natural systems preservation in Florida.
Costs
The total FY2010 project cost is $234,135, with the District contributing $85,040 (Alafia $14,464; Hillsborough $60,364;
Pinellas-Anclote $5,106; Peace $5,106). The dollar amount allocated for each contributing Basin Board is determined
by the participating schools within each basin. District funds will be used for 120 field trips, four one-day teacher
workshops, trail signage and maintenance, printing of curriculum materials, and aquatic and water quality testing
supplies. The program is projected to reach 5,040 students and teachers at a cost to the District of $16.87 per person.
Budget lines below include costs to manage the project.
Additional Information
The total FY2009 project cost was $218,385, and the District's share of $85,086 was funded by SWIM ($42,543) and
the remaining funding was split among the following basin boards: Alafia $7,232; Hillsborough $25,100; Northwest
Hillsborough $5,105; Pinellas-Anclote $2,553; and Peace $2,553. Basin budget breakdowns were established based
on a list of program participants provided by the cooperator. District funding is used to fund 120 field trips, a four-day
teacher training program, supplies and materials, and transportation for students. This program is projected to reach
5,000 students at a cost to the District of $17 per person. The District has supported this project since FY2007.
020 - Peace River Basin 29