To make a difference for water in our community, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. As Floridians, we are connected to our streams and bays by our faucets and laundries, to our neighborhood ponds and lakes by our yards and streets, and to our regional and statewide neighbors by our surface and groundwater supplies.
The Florida Waters Stewardship Program will use expert presentations, experiential learning, field experience in watershed science, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources.
During this eight-session course, stewards will travel to locations across Sarasota County to learn about emerging water issues, meet with local experts, and explore the natural beauty. Water Stewards will also be collaborating on a class stewardship project that helps to improve the water reousrces in our community. Sessions include:
- Sept. 13 (5:40–8:40 p.m.): Watershed Basics and Stewardship. UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County.
- Sept. 27 (5:40–8:40 p.m.): Water, Then and Now. TBD.
- Oct. 11 (5:40–8:40 p.m.): Stormwater in Sarasota County. Audubon Nature Center / Celery Fields.
- Oct. 20 (9 a.m. – noon): Water Supply, Demand, and Groundwater. Carlton Water Treatment Plant
- Nov. 3 (9 a.m. – noon): Wastewater Management. Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility
- Nov. 15 (5:00–8:00 p.m.): Water Issue Panel Discussion. TBD.
- Nov. 29 (5:00–8:00 p.m.): Communicating Water Stewardship. South Venice Civic Association.
- Dec. 3 (9 a.m. – noon): Graduation and Guided Kayak Tour. Historic Spanish Point.
This course has limited seating/availability, so register early to reserve your spot. Please note that there are full and partial scholarships available. For more information about this course or available scholarships, please contact Water Agent Abbey Tyrna at atyrna@ufl.edu or 941-861-9818.
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