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

W513
Charlotte County Fourth-Grade Field Studies Program
Project Type SWIM
AOR(s)
Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Peace River
Cooperator(s)
Project Manager HULL, MARY MARGARET
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
TORRUSIO, MARY
Description
This Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) project provides in-depth field experiences to all Charlotte
County elementary schools. This is the twenty-first year that the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) has
been offering this program, which is designed to give students a better understanding of the water systems of Florida.
The goal of the two-day outdoor education program is to bring an understanding and appreciation of the beauty,
complexity and fragility of local water systems to 1,500 fourth-grade students as well as to the participating 300
teachers, aides and adult chaperones. The activities consist of environmental field studies at Alligator Creek Preserve,
the lower Peace River, Cedar Point Environmental Park and Lemon Bay. Students collect and identify native, estuarine
and freshwater specimens that inhabit the rivers, harbor and bay. Students learn about upland and freshwater wetland
habitats. They also learn about freshwater creeks, the importance of trees and plants in water conservation, and the
role of fire in preserving the upland ecosystems. Pre- and posttest tools will assess the field trips' effectiveness.
Teacher training is provided to participating teachers and is approved and supported by Charlotte County Public
Schools.
Benefits
Throughout coordination of the program, CHEC has built a strong partnership with Charlotte County, the City of Punta
Gorda, the School Board of Charlotte County, and the Peace River Audubon Society. Many students have not
previously been exposed to hands-on environmental field trips, and the experience can foster a personal connection to
the sites visited, ultimately leading to understanding and appreciation of water systems.
Costs
The total cost of the FY2010 project is $94,140, with the District contributing $34,000. The District's share is split
between the Peace River Basin Board $17,000 and State SWIM $17,000. District funds will be used for 110 field trips
and water quality monitoring supplies. This program is projected to reach 1,800 students and adults at a cost to the
District of $18.89 per person. The budget line below includes costs for staff to manage the project.
Prior
FY 2009 FY2010
Funding Funding Funding
District Budgeted - Ad Valorem Based
Revenue
020 Peace River Basin 0 0 17,000
0 17,000
District Budgeted - Outside Revenue
State Trust Funds (SWIM) 0 0
0
0
0
WMLTF (SWIM) - Prior Year Funds 0 0 17,000
0 17,000
Project Funds Not Budgeted by the
District
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center 0 0 60,191
0 60,191
Total:
Future
Funding
Total
Funding
$94,191
Critical Project Milestones Projected Amended Actual
FY2010 Budgeted Funds
Initiate purchase order 10/1/09
020 - Peace River Basin 45