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Hillsborough Educators Honored for Water Programs

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2008

TAMPA - Three outstanding water conservation projects have been recognized by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Top honors went to Valrico Elementary School teachers Diane King and Brad Jackson for their Cycles of Life educational project.

Jane Gucciardo, a teacher at Bob Martinez Middle School, was recognized for her project, "Martinez, Mother Nature and Conservation."

John McGee, who heads Hillsborough County's Adopt-a-Pond program, received recognition for a hands-on program teaching residents how to manage ponds.

In Valrico, students learned how to grow plants hydroponically – in water – and how to reuse aquarium water to grow vegetables. They also learned how to collect water in rain barrels for use in gardens.

Gucciardo took her students to Brooker Creek, where they learned about the local watershed and the importance of protecting it. Students also created logo stencils and spray-painted them near storm drains to warn people against dumping pollutants that would flow into the creek.

McGee teaches how to reduce stormwater pollution and increase natural pond habitat.

The projects received funding from three of the district's basin boards: Alafia, Hillsborough River and Northwest Hillsborough.

Water district grants primarily focus on water supply, water quality, natural systems protection and flood protection.

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