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

N063
Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center Education Program
Project Type Cooperative Funding
AOR(s)
Water Supply, Flood Protection, Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Peace River
Cooperator(s)
Winter Haven
Project Manager ROE, MELISSA
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
Description
This Cooperative Funding Initiative (CFI) project proposes to provide environmental education, programs, workshops
and demonstrations to educate citizens about watersheds, water quality, water conservation, flood protection, natural
systems and sustainability. The Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center is adjacent to Lake Hartridge Nature Park
and Lake Hartridge, the northernmost lake on the Southern Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven. Program participants will
be encouraged to take action in their homes, schools, churches and workplaces to help protect the watershed and
conserve water. Behavior change resulting from the programs will be measured by surveys and observation. The
program proposal is phased over three years. In FY2009, Phase I consisted of planning and design of a
LEED-certified center, which includes water conservation devices and fixtures to be used as part of visitors'
education and design of Florida-friendly demonstration gardens. In FY2010, Phase 2 will include design, fabrication
and installation of the watershed exhibit and the design of interpretive signs. In FY2011, Phase 3 proposes to include
the installation of the Florida-friendly demonstration gardens and interpretive signage, development and
implementation of various Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM workshops and the publishing and printing of education
materials. By the time the three phases are complete, the cooperator estimates reaching 33,000 people per year. The
building, gardens and other components will act as models of sustainable behavior, especially water conservation for
the center's visitors. Upon completion of the project, measurement will consist of pre- and posttests of workshop
participants to gauge their increase in knowledge of Florida-friendly landscaping principles and water resources
protection.
Benefits
This project enhances the outreach of the District's Peace River watershed protection and water conservation
education efforts. Programs will be housed in the new building (building construction is not part of this proposal), which
will serve as a model for green building practices and state-of-the-art water conservation devices. In addition, the
center will highlight the environmental benefits of Florida-friendly landscaping. The project will target behavior change
by incorporating elements of community-based social marketing and includes evaluation. District publications will also
be made available to visitors.
Costs
The total cost of Phase 2 (FY2010) is $550,500 with the District contributing $55,500 (Peace River). The project
proposal is phased over three years: Phase 1 (FY2009) was $46,499 and included the planning and design of the
center and design of Florida-friendly demonstration gardens; Phase 2 (FY2010) is $55,500 and includes design,
fabrication and installation of the watershed exhibit and design of interpretive signs; Phase 3 (FY2011) is proposed to
be $76,750 and will include installation of Florida-friendly demonstration gardens and interpretive signage,
development and implementation of various Florida-friendly landscaping workshops and publishing and printing of
educational materials. The District's total cost for the three phases is proposed to be $178,749. The program is
projected to reach 33,000 residents annually at a cost to the District of $5.42 per person. The budget lines below
include costs for staff to manage the project.
Additional Information
The District has supported this project since FY2009.
020 - Peace River Basin 326