Last Updated on January 19, 2022 by Tennille Herron
Sumter County Water School, which took place in The Villages October 21 and 22, was a smashing success this year, bringing together more than 20 industry professionals from Sumter and adjoining counties to discuss Florida’s most precious resource: Water.
Water School, started by water resources regional specialized agent Yilin Zhuang, is for policymakers, property maintainers, engineers and other individuals involved in public water management. The program aims to bring the latest research by UF/IFAS faculty to light through a series of presentations and field trips.
Day one presenters included UF/IFAS Associate Vice President Scott Angle, Trey Arnett of Arnett Environmental and UF/IFAS scientists who spoke on Florida’s water quality and quantity issues.
Next up is Dr. Yilin Zhuang (@IFASWater) discussing Florida water resources and regulations. Did you know FL is expected to reach 34 million by 2070? It’s important to plan for natural resource management that aligns with future population growth, esp when it comes to water! pic.twitter.com/HwWuNa1lNH
— UF IFAS MREC (@UFMREC) October 21, 2021
Assistant professor of urban soil and water quality AJ Reisinger spoke with participants about nutrient runoff management, the impact of landscaping on stormwater pond quality, and runoff systems.
“Since cavemen decided to sleep under a bamboo lean-to, humans have been involved in stormwater management,” Reisinger said.
The afternoon concluded with a field trip around The Villages, where participants were able to view different types of retention ponds and learn about their engineered reclaimed water system.
Our last stop is Everglades Recreation Area, where @AJReisinger discusses runoff systems and the use of pond aerators, or “bubblers,” to improve stormwater pond water quality. pic.twitter.com/Kw4B91xJAU
— UF IFAS MREC (@UFMREC) October 21, 2021
On day two, attendees heard from UF/IFAS faculty on a wide variety of topics, including impacts of construction on soil, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, and irrigation.
Now, we welcome Dr. Norma Samuel as we discuss Florida-Friendly Landscaping (@floridafriendly)! “If you’re placing the right plant in the right place, watering efficiency, pest management and your life will be much easier.” pic.twitter.com/n1KmEHkdzt
— UF IFAS MREC (@UFMREC) October 22, 2021
We’re now joined by Dr. Eban Bean (@EbanBean) who is discussing the impact of road and home construction on soil. Dr. Bean and team are working on building healthier soil on new construction projects throughout FL. pic.twitter.com/hS7jFWmwl8
— UF IFAS MREC (@UFMREC) October 22, 2021
For more information on Water School, contact Yilin Zhuang at yilinz@ufl.edu or visit the MREC Water Resources webpage.
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