Profiles of Environmental Education Grants Awarded to Organizations in Florida
- Indicates a Headquarters grant
- 2015
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2015 Grants
Florida Gulf Coast University $90,800
Mr. Lou Kirk, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
Creating Learning Experiences and Addressing Needs of Watersheds and Aquifers Through Entrepreneurial Research (CLEAN WATER)
The CLEAN WATER program improves environmental literacy among 7th grade classrooms in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties in south Florida. The program integrates classroom and virtual learning experiences, hands-on models, physical and virtual field trips, and culminates in an entrepreneurial research and design project to enhance student understanding of watersheds, aquifers, and wetlands. It further challenges students to create potential solutions to improve water quality in south Florida.
2012 Grants
Dream in Green, Inc. $216,000
Maggie Fernandez, 425 N.E. 22nd St., Suite 401, Room 5, Miami, FL 33137
Dreamingreen.org
Water/Energy Learning and Behavior (WE/LAB) Project
The Water/Energy Learning and Behavior (WE-LAB) program serves as a model for delivering urgent, highly relevant environmental education about the Water/Energy Nexus to a wide-range of communities seeking to motivate community-wide water/energy-saving behaviors and foster long-term environmental stewardship. WE-LAB uses simple, engaging hands-on learning activities that cross cultural, language, age, socioeconomic and learning-style differences to unite community residents in taking effective and responsible environmental actions that they can enjoy doing as part of a group.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection $150,000
Gregory Ira, 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Mail Stop 30, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Advancing Environmental Education in the Southeast
Advancing Environmental Education in the Southeast involves the use of two categories of sub-grants to generate targeted results in a key state and broader impacts within the region. One category of five sub-grants strengthens state-level capacity among the EE leadership structure in Florida by addressing strategic priorities such as the completion of the state's Environmental Literacy Plan, reaching underserved and underrepresented populations, building continuity and coordination in EE programs on publicly managed lands, capturing the opportunities for EE in Green School and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives and establishing shared measures for environmental stewardship. A second category of about 15 sub-grants promotes continuity in EE programs by engaging youth in outdoor watershed-based projects on public conservation lands in the region. These projects are based on common principles in program delivery and evaluation and use the local watershed as the organizing theme for protecting the region’s waters and human health. The goals of the project are to enhance the capacity of Florida’s EE leaders to rebuild the necessary structures and programs to effectively support EE and generate continuity in EE programs by establishing a core set of measurable and commensurable indicators or performance measures for environmental stewardship.
2011 Grants
Lake County Board of County Commissioners $30,868
Mrs. Cathie Catasus, 315 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778
North Lake Co. Community Environmental Stewardship Program
This environmental stewardship project will increase community stewardship in protecting water quality and the environment and provide teacher in-service training to further educate them on various environmental issues through hands-on workshops. This will be conducted through activities which include water quality analysis, shoreline restoration, illicit discharge detection information, community clean-ups, and pharmaceutical and household hazardous waste round-up events. This project will address students K-12 through classroom activities, science nights, career days, installation of a schoolyard habitat and field trips. Students will be exposed to various environmental careers, water quality sampling sites and will learn how to achieve improved water quality through the use of proper shoreline vegetation, and best management practices for good environmental stewardship.
2010 Grants
Alachua County Environmental Protection Department $10,435
Stephen Hofstetter, 201 Southeast 2 Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Exploring Solutions to Non-Point Source Pollution
The purpose of this project is to increase students' knowledge of non-point source pollution and promote the use of low-cost techniques such as installing rain barrels and creating a rain garden, which can further reduce impacts from runoff. The Alachua County Environmental Protection believes that teaching young residents the importance of reducing pollution and protecting streams, creeks, and groundwater can increase their knowledge and understanding that their actions are vital to the health of the community. This project increases environmental stewardship by engaging teachers and students to evaluate peoples' everyday activities and their effect on the surrounding ecosystem and water resources. There are four interactive teaching modules: (1) a classroom presentation on non-point source pollution, (2) a field trip to a local stormwater treatment wetland, (3) a classroom planning workshop on building a rain garden, and (4) a workday to create an outdoor exhibit. A workshop is conducted with participating teachers to introduce them to the teaching modules, materials, and activities. Teachers are provided the opportunity to provide input and to begin incorporating the subject of non-point source pollution in their lesson plans. This project can serve as a model to other communities and organizations by encouraging schools, businesses, and residents to create rain gardens or implement other Low Impact Development techniques, especially in new construction projects.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Inc. – $16,400
Amy Dahan, 210 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
Planting the Seeds
The environmental stewardship program, Planting the Seeds, is a comprehensive educational program that raises awareness about natural watershed protection, waste minimization and pollution reduction. The primary objective of this program is to help underserved communities manage their natural resources in ways that improve their health and conserve the critical ecosystem they depend upon. Through classes, workshops and on-site and off-site interactive programs, Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Inc. (Heathcote) reaches an audience of 4th - through 12th - grade students, teachers and the general public. As part of the water stewardship component of the program, students participate in water conservation classes at the Heathcote Botanical Gardens and Regional Park. In addition, teachers attend training programs on watershed protection with an emphasis on including underserved youth in the area. Heathcote also conducts activities to increase to increase general public awareness of stormwater pollution impacts. The public participates in hiking tours of the regional park with instruction on non-point source pollution and attends Community Garden Days with instruction on compositing and reducing pesticides and fertilizers. In an effort to increase litter abatement efforts, Heathcote also offers waste minimization workshops in area middle schools and installs recycling containers throughout the regional park. Through the program, participants develop the skills to improve and conserve natural resources within the community, potentially leaving a rich legacy for future generations.
2009 Grants
Florida Atlantic University $26,000
Glen Thomas, 777 Glades Road, AD-247, Division of Research/Sponsored Programs, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Pine Jog Fellowship 2009
The Pine Jog Fellowship program encourages community-wide education about environmental and sustainability issues through a multifaceted youth outreach effort targeted towards minority, low income, and historically disadvantaged groups. The program recruits high school-aged fellows. These fellows are trained to conduct mentoring and outreach activities for kindergarten through grade 12 school and after-school programs. Over the course of their three-semester commitment, fellows gain knowledge and teaching skills that enable them to effectively engage in service-learning activities and address environmental stewardship in their projects. The program includes an intensive week of classroom training during July, followed by monthly seminars with Pine Jog Fellowship instructors that supplement independent study. For independent study, pairs of fellows work together on community service-learning projects.
2008 Grants
Dream in Green $41,220
Jane Gilbert, 2000 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 647, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Green Schools Challenge
The aim of this grant is to make concrete steps toward a more “green” society. This goal is accomplished by integrating hands-on, inquiry-based learning about the local and global environmental impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, sources of and conversion factors for GHG emissions, energy assessments, and conservation methods to teach science, math, and language arts. This project supports the training, resources, coaching, and tracking support necessary for its participating schools to educate students about energy and resource conservation, reduce the carbon footprint of the schools and students’ homes, and provide highly engaging, real-world learning opportunities for students through the use of professional energy analysis tools.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida $12,692
Geva Salerno, 1450 Merrihue Drive, Naples, FL 34102
Stormwater Outreach Project
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida creates an outreach program by using volunteers who educate its citizens about the need for stormwater management and water quality protection along the coastline where it affects estuaries and beaches. This program provides lectures to civic groups, clubs, and homeowner organizations in the region. This project teaches individuals about the importance of protecting the land as well as to share practical tools that can be used in their everyday lives. It targets local citizens in the 55 to 75 age range to leverage the number of members and time available.
University of Central Florida $13,703
Terri Vallery, 12201 Research Parkway, Suite 501, Orlando, FL 32826-3246
Education Recycling
Education Recycling aims to increase recycling rates on the university campus by conducting workshops on environmental stewardship and recycling that targets students living in University of Central Florida (UCF) housing on campus and the building managers for all 123 campus buildings and the entire staff of the UCF library. This project focuses on the community and national issue of recycling and the need to increase recycling rates on a national basis to approach a zero waste stream goal. This project empowers the UCF community to think about its role in stewardship of the environment and the need to increase recycling toward the goal of a zero waste stream campus. Education leads to further knowledge in the community that is be carried back home and to a new generation about the role recycling plays in environmental stewardship.
2006 Grants
Duval County Health Department Environmental Health & Safety Division $9,881
Antoinette Jackson, 900 University Boulevard, North Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32211
Duval County Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices
The Duval County Cooperative Extension Service is providing four modules on household Improved Pest Management (IPM) train-the-trainer workshops. These modules include: (1) general IPM; (2) lawn: insect pests, disease, and weeds; (3) garden; and (4) home: ants, cockroaches, and termites. This certificate-based training is delivered to health department staff and community volunteers. The certified trainers are provided with train-the-trainer kits to deliver workshops in home improvement and hardware stores, and to neighborhood associations and community organizations. The Duval County Cooperative Extension Service uses public service announcements, health fairs sponsored by community organizations, brochures and flyers for healthcare partners, and informational resources to obtain participants once trainers have been certified.
Florida State University $7,450
Gang Chen, 97 South Woodward Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32306
Incorporation of Ecology and Biology Education in Environmental Engineering
Florida State University (FSU) incorporates ecological and biological sciences into its existing environmental engineering program. A curriculum on Environmental Ecology, Wetland and Environmental Restoration, and Applied Environmental Microbiology has been established to provide specialized study in environmental ecology and environmental biology. FSU uses research field facilities for teaching and provides practical experience for students to gather first-hand information on environmental restoration. This course fulfills a need since the original program offered only traditional water and air quality engineering education without specializing in the ecological and biological aspects of the environment. The project trains the students to obtain knowledge on natural sciences relevant to environmental engineering and increases their ability to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a contemporary interdisciplinary environmental issue. Their ability to work on multi-disciplinary teams will therefore be enhanced.
Resource Depot, Inc. $4,258
Deb Romanelli, 3560 Investment Lane, #103, Rivera Beach, FL 33404
Assisting Communities to Thrive (ACT)
Resource Depot, Inc. presents a program called Assisting Communities to Thrive (ACT). This project increases awareness of the economic and lifelong environmental advantage of using free reusable materials derived from landfills. High school science teachers participate in workshops to learn how to teach environmental education with ease and to share environmental information with the community using student-led teams. The teachers also learn how to obtain free reusable materials for education projects. In turn, the students learn how to gather discarded materials and create fliers and brochures to distribute to business owners about how to reduce waste.
University of Central Florida $12,012
Richard Paradise, 12443 Research Parkway, Suite 207, Orlando, FL 32826-3252
Energy Conservation and Sustainability
This project addresses the community issue of energy conservation. Energy and environmental awareness workshops are conducted for students living in the university residences and building managers who administer all educational and general buildings on campus. This project is intended to change cultural thinking about energy conservation and sustainability in their community. The long-term goal is to develop an Energy Conservation and Sustainability initiative to reduce energy consumption. The medium-term goal is to reduce energy consumption along with greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10 percent. The project also provides volunteer opportunities and involves the development and distribution of a newsletter, and the conduct of energy project demonstrations.
2005 Grants
Florida Atlantic University $12,000
Pat Welch, 777 Glades Road, ADM 236, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
Sustainability and Ecosystem Education
The Pine Jog Environmental Education Center, a division of Florida Atlantic University's College of Education, hopes to be recognized as the center of choice for ecosystem and sustainable living education in Palm Beach County. The educational program provides start-up or first-year financial support to establish a model multi-year program. The project targets adults, with emphasis on life-long learning associations, homeowners groups, and civic organizations. Pine Jog Environmental Education Center offers a series of six workshops that focus on ecosystems, native plants, and sustainable living. This project increases Pine Jog’s long-term capacity to engage the community, collaborate with numerous local organizations, and create interdisciplinary academic programs.
Mote Marine Laboratory $12,771
Lorienne White, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
Patching Up Florida's Coral Reefs
Developed by Mote Marine Laboratory, this program teaches Gulf Coast Girl Scouts about coral reefs, current research in marine science, conservation, and how to “patch up the reefs.” The program partners with the Girl Scouts and its troop leaders from grades 1 through 12. Three full-day events are offered when the Girl Scouts and troop leaders rotate through discovery stations at Mote Laboratory, including activities, laboratory experiments, and Mote’s new Immersion Cinema National Marine Sanctuary: Florida’s Coral Reefs tele-presence. Troop leaders receive World Wildlife Fund’s Oceans of Life curriculum as well as training by Mote educators. The girls develop a sense of stewardship toward the reefs, as well as skills in critical thinking for making informed decisions in the future. After the girls complete the program, they earn a Mote-specific patch.
2004 Grants
Charlotte County School District $27,963
Jackie Speake, 1445 Education Way, Port Charlotte, FL 33948-1053
Charlotte's Watershed and Tidal Estuarine Research (Charlotte's W.A.T.E.R.)
Designed for environmental and marine science high school students in the Charlotte County School District in Florida, the Watershed and Tidal Estuarine Research (W.A.T.E.R) project enables teachers to take students into the field to conduct investigations of local ecosystems and to collect and analyze data over time. Teachers attend a workshop prior to field work in order to develop field activities and define the scope of the data collection and analysis. In the classroom, students analyze data by applying the scientific method, using graphs and charts, writing in scientific journals, and conducting research on the history of local ecosystems. The data are shared by the four participating high schools, the scientific community, and the public on a web site. Through their research-based field studies, students develop inquiry-based learning and team-building skills. Approximately 900 students, most of whom participate in federal free and reduced-cost lunch programs, are the target audience for the project. A key partner in this project is the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center.
School Board of Broward County $4,998
Debbie Stasiw, 600 Southeast Third Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Environmental Protection Project at Driftwood Middle School
This project involves establishing an outdoor classroom to support science and other academic activities. The outdoor classroom contains 10 large picnic tables, including one that is accessible for the handicapped, and is designed to facilitate hands-on learning experiences for students. The students plant native and non-native plants in three adjacent areas to attract butterflies, birds, and other species of wildlife. The students also develop research, writing, observational, critical-thinking, and other analytical skills. A Web site will be developed to display progress of the project.
University of Florida $15,577
Dr. Norm Leppla, Building 970, Natural Area Drive, P.O. Box 110110, Gainesville, FL 32611-0110
Integrated Pest Management Toolboxes to Reduce Pesticide Use in Urban Communities
Under this project, extension agents train homeowners to implement integrated pest management (IPM) in order to reduce the use of pesticides. Master Gardeners are University of Florida-trained volunteer teachers who serve as integral links between the public and extension agents. An "IPM Toolbox" contains hands-on training activities that improve the pest management decision-making skills of Master Gardeners. The project aims to assemble and distribute toolboxes to the 50 Florida counties that have not yet received them and to train extension agents who will in turn conduct Master Gardening training. Originally, the toolboxes were developed for extension agents working with Master Gardener programs. The toolboxes will also be used to enhance the existing Florida's Yards and Neighborhoods program, which includes homeowners in the 50 counties.
2003 Grants
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida $5,000
Joseph Cox, 1450 Merrihue Drive, Naples, FL 34102
Mangrove Conservation Station - A Discovery Zone
This project supports Mangrove Conservation Station - A Discovery Zone, which is a partnership between the Naples Nature Center (NNC) and the Collier County Public School System. The conservation station is an exhibit that includes a mangrove aquarium, an outline of issues related to restoration efforts, immersing activities, and an oversized mangrove diorama. The project goals are to increase awareness of the need to protect and sustain the natural environment, stimulate learning in students, and give them the opportunity to explore environmental issues and careers. To supplement the permanent exhibit, NNC is partnering with the public school system to develop a traveling exhibit using an existing curriculum developed in cooperation with the school system. The curriculum meets local school district, state, and national academic standards.
University of South Florida $22,015
Heidi Kay, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, FAO 126, Tampa, FL 33620
The University of South Florida (USF) Enviro Van Plan
The purpose of the University of South Florida (USF) Enviro Van Plan is to engage Florida high school students and their teachers in environmental and public health issues by bringing a mobile environmental laboratory to their schools. The Enviro Van Plan enables students and their teachers to use advanced laboratory equipment that would be unavailable to them in a typical high school classroom. The goals of the project are to (1) make science classes relevant and exciting by introducing students to state-of-the-art equipment, (2) introduce students to critical environmental and public health issues facing Floridians through interdisciplinary problem-solving curriculum modules, and (3) show students how they can make a difference in environmental health issues by presenting a variety of career paths. The results and lessons learned during the project are disseminated to other Florida teachers.
2002 Grants
Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) $18,685
Deborah Morris, 501 West State Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
First Coast GreenWorks Education Initiative
The Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) has partnered with the Jacksonville Electrical Authority (JEA) and the Duval County School District to promote public awareness and education in clean power generation technologies, particularly solar technologies. JEA, the regional public utility company, also has existing partnerships with both FCCJ and Duval County Schools to implement the Green Works program. This program arises from JEA's agreement to shift 250 megawatts of power generated annually to clean, renewable energy sources within the next 10 years. This project is focused on improving the teaching skills of high school and college teachers in the area of solar technology, in order to improve students' understanding of solar technology and their ability to make effective decisions concerning related energy and environmental issues. High school and college teachers participate in a summer workshop, regular meetings and collaborative activities throughout the academic year, including e-mail/listserv communication, and visits to their peers' classrooms. These activities prepare teachers to engage their students in classroom and laboratory activities, field trips, and career exploration activities. The project takes advantage of existing solar curricula and resources already in place as part of the First Coast Tech Prep Consortium.
Reef Relief, Inc. $5,000
DeeVon Quirolo, P. O. Box 430, Key West, FL 33041
Pump It. Don't Dump It - Educational Program for Florida Keys No Discharge Zone
This project supports a workshop and training session designed to explain and identify strategies to stop boaters from dumping sewage into the sea. It proposes a multi-faceted approach to educating local and visiting boaters, tourists and community members to new rules and procedures for pumping boat sewage into facilities at marinas rather than directly into the sea. Reef Relief will collaborate with other nongovernmental organizations and several local, state, and federal government and regulatory agencies. The program consists of one workshop to teach critical skills associated with making decisions on implementing EPA's new rules prohibiting sewage discharge in the no-discharge zone in the keys. The training is augmented by the installation of signs at the entrance to harbors, creation of radio public service announcements, and publication of informational brochures and flyers explaining the rules of the no-discharge zone and listing available pump-out stations in the region. Reef Relief has also created a database of distribution points for brochures and flyers.
2001 Grants
Communities in Schools of Florida $16,256
Francine Diemer, 1761 West Hillsboro Boulevard, #201, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Communities in Schools of Florida EnvironMentors Program
The EnvironMentors Program pairs selected students in three Communities in Schools of Florida local organizations with adult professionals who work in the state’s environmental agencies. The volunteer mentors undergo background screening and training. After successfully completing both screening and training, each volunteer is paired with a student in the Communities in Schools program. The two meet regularly to discuss various issues, including the mentor’s job in the environmental field, the training necessary for that job, careers in the environmental field, school work, the concerns of the student, and other issues of importance to the student. The volunteers and students visit environmental facilities and parks to give the students the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences related to environmental issues.
The School Board of Broward County $5,000
Frank Manley, 600 Southeast Third Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Ecology-Based School Gardening Project
The purpose of the project is to educate the community about environmental issues that affect them through the design and maintenance of a school garden. The Broward County Agriculture and Extension Education Division provides technical and programmatic support for curriculum development, instructional implementation of curriculum, and consulting for the development of the garden. The goal of the program is to provide teachers opportunities for professional development, introduce parents and students to environmental issues, and to foster career development. The objectives are met through workshops, experiential learning, and classroom instruction. A master gardener and horticultural agent are key facilitators for the project.
University of Florida $5,000
Barbra Larson, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
Public Education for the Conservation of Florida's Native Bromeliads
The objective of the project is to stimulate thinking about and analysis of conservation of endangered species (specifically several species of native bromeliads), focusing on the trade-offs involved in protecting such native plants from introduced pests. The objectives are met by providing educational materials to members of several groups who are experienced in environmental education and who already work with the target audiences. The expected outcomes of the project include increased understanding among the public of the value of Florida’s native bromeliads, increased support for efforts to save populations of the state’s endangered and threatened bromeliads, and increased involvement on the part of teachers in using environmental issues that affect public lands as a teaching resource.
University of South Florida $5,000
Ellen Kent, College of Public Health, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, FAO-126, Tampa, FL 33620
"Project HELP" - Public Health and Environment Leadership Project
The purpose of “Project Help” is to initiate an environmental education program in west-central Florida that will increase citizens’ understanding of important environmental public health issues that they may face in the 21st century, as well as their ability to resolve such issues and their commitment to achieve such resolutions. Experts from The College of Public Health (COPH) and the Department of Environmental Management lead students and teachers involved in the COPH’s Public Health Possibilities (PHP) program in skill-building workshops to help them develop a strong understanding of environmental public health concepts and gain experience in problem-solving in the area of environmental public health. The PHP students and their teacher work together to develop interactive community learning activities and classroom curricula for their own use, as well as for use by friends, family, and other students.
2000 Grants
Florida Association for Community Action (FACA), Inc. $12,035
Gloria Martin, 6212 NW 43rd Street, Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32653
Environmental Education for Rural Communities
The project addresses EPA's capacity-building and partnership educational priorities through a collaborative effort with the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, the University of Florida Center for Constructed Wetlands, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that links environmental education providers throughout the region. As an outcome of the collaboration, low-income residents and leaders in small, rural communities are able to evaluate natural wastewater treatment technologies as an alternative to more costly mechanical wastewater treatment processes. Most important, they are empowered to make informed decisions about solutions to their wastewater problems. The objectives are achieved by training 40 in-the-field trainers during a two-week workshop and site visit to a constructed wetland.
Florida Institute of Technology $49,427
Tom Marcinkowski, 150 W. University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901-6975
Evaluation of Multigrade Environmental Programs in Public Schools
The project addresses a critical need in Florida to document and analyze the effectiveness of environmental education programs in producing positive learning outcomes in school subject areas. The Florida Institute of Technology, assisted by partner organizations, leads the effort to evaluate descriptive information and qualitative and standardized test score data from school-based environmental programs that encompass two or more consecutive grade levels. The target audience of the project includes instructional and administrative personnel in schools that have environmental programs in two or more consecutive grades; key decision makers in the public school, school reform, and environmental education communities; state environmental education coordinators and officers and board members of state environmental education associations; and key national and state environmental education providers. Designed to be easily adaptable, the tools and methodologies can be used by any state to analyze similar information from environmental education programs. Activities related to the project will be conducted in Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington. Key partners include representatives of Florida Gulf Coast University; the Maryland Department of Education; the Minnesota Department of Children, Families, and Learning; the University of Central Florida; the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington; The Pew Charitable Trusts; and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
The School Board of Broward County $4,991
Frank Mandley, 600 Southeast Third Avenue, 4th Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Reviewing the Methodology of Restoration of Wetlands
The project is designed to educate students and the community to make connections between the importance of natural resources and the way human activity affects a wetlands ecosystem. The goal is to enable students and the community to effectively plan for the future of south Florida. The objective of the activity is to create a four- to six-week integrated thematic unit and to immerse students in the study of the wetlands ecosystem. Because environment teaching skills are enhanced, students are able to critically analyze environmental issues and use their problem-solving skills to develop solutions to local environmental problems. Approximately 200 students, 150 families, 7 teachers, and 3 support staff participate in the project.
1999 Grants
Broward Estates Elementary School, Broward County $5,000
Frank Mandley, 600 SE Third Avenue, 4th Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
SUNsational Hands-on Environmental Field Trip
SUNsational is an enrichment program that has two components: three workshops for parents and teachers on environmental issues and activities and a hands-on environmental field trip to Snyder Park for students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. Broward Estates Elementary School serves a culturally diverse and low-income population of 874 students. Each student completes a service activity that will benefit the park.
City of Naples Utilities Department $4,724
Dan Mercer, 275 13th Street North, Naples, FL 34102
Naples Virtual Recycling Center
The Naples Utilities Department, in partnership with the Florida Office of Environmental Education, is creating a World Wide Web site called the Naples Virtual Recycling Center. The Web site provides access to quality waste reduction curricula to 700 teachers and 12,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The Web site also serves as a local information clearinghouse through which approximately 13,000 utilities customers can learn more about reducing, reusing, and recycling solid waste.
Dania Elementary School, Broward County, FL $4,054
Frank Mandley, 600 SE Third Avenue, 4th Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Saving South Florida's Ecosystem
This project educates Dania Elementary School's culturally diverse population of fourth- and fifth-grade students about South Florida's fragile ecosystem and the role they play in preserving it. At the conclusion of the unit, the project provides hands-on learning experiences in a national park for 25 students. In addition to the hands-on learning, a number of other teaching strategies are used, including lecture and audiovisual presentations.
University of North Florida $5,000
Becky Purser, 4567 St. John's Bluff Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Wild Neighborhoods for Inner-City Children
The Wild Neighborhoods project provides more than 1,000 minority, low-income school children in prekindergarten through fifth grade an opportunity to participate in educational programs guided by park rangers at two contrasting natural areas. The experiences help inner-city children increase their knowledge of natural systems and their environment. The project is intended to enhance the children's understanding of environmental issues and the role they play in protecting the environment.
1998 Grants
Brevard Community College $15,569
Deborah McClinton, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32935
Environmental Literacy Modules
A multidisciplinary team of six members of the faculty of Broward Community College designs, develops, and pilot-tests a series of modules that can be incorporated into general education courses. The modules are designed specifically to expose college students enrolled in general education courses to crucial environmental issues. Workshops are provided to train the faculty in the use of the modules.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. $5,000
Joy Duperault, P. O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949
Faculty Workshop for Monitoring Water Quality: High School and Community College
This project implements a monitoring program for the entire Charlotte Harbor watershed, under which water quality data are collected and analyzed. The project provides high school and community college faculty members with the skills they need to demonstrate to students the concepts of water quality sampling and monitoring. The effort is intended to improve public understanding of significant issues related to the management of water resources in the watershed.
Florida Atlantic University $4,616
Loisa Kerwin, Center for Environmental Studies, P. O. Box 3091, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
Aquatic Ecology Workshop for Educators
This project provides a five-day aquatic ecology workshop to inform educators about the wide variety of resources and field sites that are available to them by training teachers in the methods necessary to conduct data collection and field experiments on water resources with their classes. The participants explore a watershed, an adjacent prairie, and the lacustrine system of Lake Okeechobee. At each site, scientific field protocols are applied in monitoring water quality and identifying aquatic plants and invertebrate animals as indicators of the health and diversity of an ecosystem.
Putnam County Health Department $4,128
Cheryl D. Lesneski, 2801 Kennedy Street, Palatka, FL 32177
Recognizing Pesticide Poisoning: A Training Program for Rural Health Care Providers
This project trains rural health care providers to identify pesticide illness, or poisoning, and to differentiate it from problems that cause similar symptoms. Sessions are conducted for community members on the potential hazards of pesticide use. The project provides in-service sessions for local health care providers, as well as workshops for individuals who work with at-risk children and for pesticide applicators. The project will provide pertinent reference materials, as well. Members of the community will attend sessions during which they will learn about the potential hazards of pesticide use.
Roy Hyatt Environmental Center - School District of Escambia County $4,982
Linda Hartman, 1300 Tobias Road, Cantonment, FL 32533
Florida's 4-R's and Vermicomposting Teacher Training Workshops
This project provides training for teachers in the use of effective solid waste management practices through the revised state-accredited curriculum, Florida's 4-R's and Vermicomposting. The project enhances the environmental awareness of both teachers and students and involves parents in classroom activities.
School Board of Broward County - Division of School Operations $4,933
Deborah McClinton, 600 Southeast Third Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Whiddon-Rodgers Education Center Environmental Education Project
This project is designed to improve the environmental education teaching skills of educators who work with multicultural high school and adult students. Educators receive three hours of in-service training, during which they discuss environmental issues important to the community and the school. Educators share the activities with their peers so they have a repertoire of challenging instructional material that encourages students to arrive at their own conclusions about environmental issues and careers.
1997 Grants
Florida State University $5,000
Ellen Granger, Office of Research, Tallahassee, FL 32306-3067
Sea-to-See: An Introduction to Marine Organisms
The Sea-to-See program brings the marine environment into the elementary classroom and provides workshops for elementary teachers. Under the program, 3,000 second- and fourth-grade students have the opportunity to explore the array of macro-invertebrate life that populates the near-shore marine environment of north Florida. Students explore that environment through two touching tanks - one representing the salt marsh, oyster bar, and sandy bottom and the other representing the extremely diverse sea grass beds.
Focus Center, Inc. $4,300
Jennifer B. Petro, 139 Brooks Street, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Woods to Water: An Environmental Approach
This project provides students with an understanding of the environmental dangers present in local soil and water. It makes students aware of the environmental health risks that pollution poses to humans. In addition, it promotes awareness of environmental policies, possible approaches to cleanup, and pollution prevention.
Lake County School District/Umatilla High School Public Service Academy $5,000
Lauren Stricklen, 201 W. Burleigh Boulevard, Tavares, FL 32778
Emeralda Marsh Living Classroom
The Emeralda Marsh Living Classroom project allows 90 students the opportunity to explore the Emeralda Marsh Restoration Area through a variety of activities. It helps the students to develop an understanding of the resource and the value of its preservation. The activities offered under the program incorporate a variety of instructional strategies and techniques described in current education research. The project is a collaborative effort with the Saint Johns River Water Management District.
School Board of Alachua County $4,950
Dr. Donna Omer, 620 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Not In My Back Yard
Not In My Back Yard is an interdisciplinary program for 170 students in fifth grade that investigates issues of environmental quality related to solid waste disposal in the community. The students, representing various socioeconomic and racial populations, work in collaborative groups to investigate local ecosystems and learn to become informed citizens who take responsible environmental actions.
1996 Grants
Clay County District Schools $5,000
Susan H. Helmey, 900 Walnut St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Careers To Go
The Careers To Go project is providing students with knowledge of environmental careers. A partnership will be developed between fourth through eighth grades and high school students, government agencies, and private industry experts in environmental fields. An environmental career kit will be developed called Go Carts, which consists of models, videotapes, curriculum materials, pamphlets, brochures, and other resources. The Go Carts will be a complete environmental resource kit for teacher use.
Imaginarium Hands-on Museum $5,000
Pam Burt, 2000 Cranford Ave., Ft. Myers, FL 33916
Environmental Awareness and Activism for Everyone... Look Toward Tomorrow
Environmental Awareness and Activism for Everyone... Look Toward Tomorrow is educating teachers students, and the general public about potential human health problems associated with environmental pollution. The project will reach 18,000 school children and 1,000 teachers. They will develop scientific investigative skills as they learn about groundwater contamination and remediation. Displays of remediation methods and projects developed by students will be exhibited at Imaginarium.
Pinellas County Schools $14,428
Dr. Edward A. Brown III, 301 4th Street, SW, Largo, FL 33770
Teacher Training Environmental Technology Workshops
The Teacher Training Environmental Technology Workshops project creates a four-year, high school, program of study that prepares students for environmental careers. Two interdisciplinary teams of teachers representing vocational education, mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies will develop a curriculum. The curriculum will be developed by conducting a Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) Study to determine the necessary competencies for employment in environmental fields. It is anticipated that 90 percent of the graduates will enter environmental fields of employment. The workshops are designed to prepare the teachers for curriculum implementation.
School Board of Alachua County $4,974
Dr. Donna Omer, 620 East University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Gum Root Swamp
The Gum Root Swamp project is providing physically handicapped students with interdisciplinary learning and job development while it increases student interest in ecology-related classes and careers. In cooperation with the St. Johns River Water Management District, the students co-manage an environmentally sensitive area called Gum Root Swamp. Students conduct field work that includes an inventory of major habitat regions, confirmation of existing habitat maps, and establishment of a trail system to connect various habitats.
1995 Grants
Arbor Ridge Elementary School $5,000
Ralph Hewitt, 2900 Logandale Drive, Orlando, FL 32817
Project EPIC: Environmental Preservation Through Integrated Curriculum
This project increases elementary students' awareness of the various ecosystems in and around the community. The project also facilitates student action regarding the use and conservation of resources by improving teaching skills through workshops which focus on environmental education using an integrated curriculum model.
Broward County Department of Natural Resources Protection $4,995
Laura L. Geselbracht, 5218 SW 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Least Toxic Pest Management for the Lawn & Garden
This project is designed to increase citizen awareness and knowledge of pesticide use. The participants will be informed about why one approach may be the best under a specific set of circumstances. The participants will make selections of the best pest management approach for various scenarios. Results of these problem solving exercises will be discussed.
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc. $31,629
Susan B. Cook, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946
Mangroves, Mosquitos, and Man
This project will update and expand an existing environmental education program to address the ecological and economic importance of managing the flora and fauna populations in the mangrove marsh habitats along the Indian River Lagoon. "Mangroves, Mosquitos, and Man" will teach students and teachers in the 4th grade how carefully managed seasonal flooding of the mangrove marsh habitats is used to control the local mosquito population which has greatly affected the economic development of the region. At the same time, students and teachers will learn how careful management of the flooding minimizes the ecological impact of this action. Through hands-on field activities and teacher training workshops, students and teachers will be introduced to the technologies involved in monitoring and controlling water levels, and gain an increased understanding of the relationship between environmental and socioeconomic issues. The project will reach six teachers and 200 students, many of whom are from minority populations.
Joyce Bullock Elementary School $3,200
Kristen E. Russell, 130 SW Third Street, Williston, FL 32696
Teacher Training Environmental Workshop: Schoolyard Ecosystem and Environment
This project introduces the concept of the Schoolyard Ecosystem as a tool for teaching environmental education. The students will be able to observe, restore, and experience a natural environment containing local, easily-accessible plant and animal life and understand their ability to have a positive impact on the environment.
Palm Beach Soil and Water Conservation District $5,000
Diane D. Neill, 559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415-1311
Kids for Composting
The purpose of the Kids for Composting project is to implement a successful composting program at one public school to serve as a model for other schools wishing to achieve similar educational results. The project is designed to increase the awareness of students; educate students and administrators; and successfully compost the food, yard, and paper waste generated in a public school.
The School Board of Broward County $5,000
Frank Mandley, 600 Southeast Third Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Broward Co. Fern Forest Wetlands Restoration and Succession Seed Bank and Revegetating Survey
This project focuses on the mitigation and restoration efforts in Fern Forest or a similar Florida Ecosystem. Student groups are required to develop a hypothesis for the project in cooperation with an environmental professional and assigned faculty mentor. Field trips for research and a curriculum are an integral part of the project. The project will be conducted at Stranahan High School and will involve approximately 1,400 students.
1994 Grants
Broward County Audubon Society, Inc. $5,000
Karen Mauck, 616 NW 22 Court, Wilton Manors, FL 33311
Broward Outdoor Natural Urban Studies Project
The Broward Outdoor Natural Urban Studies project will train 150 teen and adult volunteers to conduct hands-on, outdoor, nature and science activities for 1,200 4th grade students in a series of investigations of the living things found in the elementary schoolyard.
Broward County School Board $5,000
Frank Mandley, 600 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Plantation High School ECO-LAB
This grant funds the Plantation High School ECO-LAB, which will provide high school students with an opportunity to investigate, observe, and experiment with a small scale southern Florida ecosystem.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. $4,675
Joy Duperault, 10941 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Curriculum for Charlotte Harbor Watershed
The purpose of this project is to adapt an existing estuarine curriculum to the Charlotte Harbor watershed region and conduct middle school teacher workshops in the use of the curriculum.
Northwest Florida Water Management District $5,000
Carol Pugh, Route 1, Box 3100, Havana, FL 32333
Activities to Reduce Storm Water Run-off and Surface Water Degradation
This project includes field trips and hands-on environmental science activities for middle school students and teachers that focus on environmental actions to reduce storm water run-off and surface water degradation. Approximately 30,000 teachers of kindergarten through 12th grade and their students will be involved in the project.
Tampa Palms Elementary School $5,000
Charmaine Jones, 6100 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647
Curriculum for the Hillsborough River
This project will provide all teachers at the Tampa Palms Elementary School with hands-on curriculum materials and workshops to heighten their awareness of the Hillsborough River as an important resource needing environmental protection.
1993 Grants
DaySpring Conference Center $5,000
Ellen Anne Manning, P. O. Box 661, Ellenton, FL 34222
Educational Equipment for a Nature Center
The purpose of this project is to purchase educational equipment and materials to augment a nature center and to facilitate environmental education for more than 200 visiting classroom teachers and groups of school students.
Florida Atlantic University $5,000
Patricia A. Welch, 6301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Pine Jog Environmental Education Center of Florida Atlantic University
The Pine Jog Environmental Education Center of Florida Atlantic University will improve environmental education teaching skills through instructional design procedures and a teacher education workshop series for teachers of kindergarten through the 5th grade.
Florida State University $16,942
Ellen Granger, 109 Herb Morgan Bldg. R-23, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1047
Saturday-at-the-Sea (SATS)
The Saturday-at-the-Sea (SATS) educational program will expand to a week-long, summer, marine, ecology, research, day camp program for female and minority middle school students from Florida's panhandle. Students will apply current technology, basic math, computer, and statistical skills to environmental issues through hands-on experience in the natural environment.
Pinellas County Cooperative Extension Service $4,880
Sheila Smith, 12175-125th Street North, Largo, FL 33770
4-H Earth Connections
The "4-H Earth Connections" projects is designed for youth in kindergarten through 6th grade who are enrolled at 25 summer program sites and will receive hands-on experience through experiments, demonstrations, games, and workbook activities utilizing the "Earth Connections" curriculum. The purpose of this project is to help them understand the environmental and stewardship issues associated with soil, air, and water conservation and quality.
Reef Relief, Inc. $5,000
DeeVon Quirolo, P. O. Box 430, 210 William Street, Key West, FL 33041
Coral Reef Awareness Program
This grant funds the "Coral Reef Awareness Program." The program includes field trips and school activities for kindergarten through 5th grade students in five elementary schools on the lower Florida keys. The program will foster their understanding of Florida's coral reef ecosystem and encourage active efforts by them to protect it.
Roosevelt Elementary School $5,000
Ann B. Ziehl/Daniel Moore, 3205 Ferdinand Street, Tampa, FL 33629
Curriculum for Nature Area
This project involves the development of curriculum for use with an indigenous nature area at the school and purchase of equipment for use with the curriculum. Students will contrast and compare habitats, analyze environmental problems, and evaluate solutions.
1992 Grants
American Lung Association of Southeast Florida $5,000
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Air Conservation
This project is a 45-minute-long program on air conservation designed for students from kindergarten through college. The program includes a group discussion, written materials, and a slide presentation that focuses on environmental concerns in Palm Beach County, FL.
Brevard County School District $4,800
Melbourne, FL 32940
Compost Curriculum
This project involves curriculum for high school students to develop a compost method suitable to the local biome and then to use their organic compost to fertilize a simple square-foot garden they design.
University of Miami $4,952
Coral Gables, FL 33124
Quality Function Development (QFD)
This grant funds a broad-based secondary school course in environmental science and engineering, which uses Quality Function Development (QFD). A by-product of the activity will be development of a methodology that can be replicated and used for other educational levels.