PROJECTS:
LAKESIDE DISPLAY SIGNS
LE/AD has been instrumental in establishing lakeside displays around lakes in Polk County. Lakeside displays inform the public about lake preservation with information on water quality, lakeside habitat, flood protection and watersheds. LE/AD works collaboratively with the cities around the county as well as the county on content and layout of these signs. Some examples of Lakeside Display Signs include:
Lake Parker
Lake Hartridge
Lake Hollingsworth
Lake Howard
Typical Aquatic Plant Sign
Typical Watershed Sign
Typical Stormwater Sign
STORMWATER PLAQUES
LE/AD has aluminum drain plaques for sale to help explain to people that only stormwater is to go down the stormdrains. These plaques are available for $2.50 per sign plus shipping.
ALLIGATOR SIGNS
LE/AD also has aluminum alligator signs warning about the dangers of alligators. These signs are great for lakes and ponds. These signs are available for $15 per sign plus shipping.
EVENTS:
Conferences
LE/AD hosts an annual conference relating to water resources. In 2005, LE/AD hosted a Low Impact Development Conference called “Seeing Green in Your Future Developments”. In 2006, LE/AD hosted the Peace River Watershed Management Conference, “Keeping the Peace”. In 2007, LE/AD hosted the Polk County Lakes Management Conference. Currently, LE/AD is planning the 2008 conference called Integrating Water Resource Management, “Total Water”.
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INTEGRATING WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
TOTAL WATER MANAGEMENT
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Lakes Appreciation Month Celebration
The North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) designates the month of July as Lakes Appreciation Month around the nation. LE/AD participates each year in this celebration of our lakes. LE/AD works collaboratively with the City of Lakeland, Keep Polk County Beautiful, the City of Winter Haven, Lakeland Clean & Beautiful and Keep Winter Haven Clean & Beautiful to organize a countywide clean up along lakeshores during the month of July. Volunteers register to receive equipment and pick the time and day to clean up their favorite lake. To show our appreciation, LE/AD hosts a volunteer appreciation dinner for all registered volunteers.
Click to go to NALMS.org
Lakeland Cardboard Boat Challenge & Lakeshore Festival
Lakeland’s Annual Cardboard Boat Challenge and Lakeshore Festival is a collaborative event with LE/AD, Lakeland Vision, and Lakeland Clean & Beautiful. This event is held on the first Saturday after Labor Day in September on Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida. This event brings people in the community to the lake for a fun activity at the lake while having the opportunity to learn more about alternative water sources, water quality, stormwater runoff, water conservation, Florida-friendly yards, and littering. Approximately 400 participants and observers come each year to view this event. The event not only brings participants for the boat race; it also brings people in the community out to watch the race. While there, many people visit environmental exhibit booths and walk away with literature, posters, and a better understanding of water quality and how they can make a difference by their everyday activities within their watersheds. Because this event brings many people to the lake, the exhibits help increase the awareness of nutrient loadings and water quality in our area lakes.
Please see the RULES & REGISTRATION for the Cardboard Boat Challenge. The Waiver Release must accompany registration form.
LE/AD participates and exhibits in various cooperative events around the county and helps to coordinate environmental exhibitors for events such as the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Festival, the Polk County Nature Fest: Water Wings and Wild Things, Project EAGLE (Enhancing a Great Living Environment)- a lake clean up event in Winter Haven, and the Kid's Nature Fest at Teneroc State Preserve. LE/AD also judges at the county regional science fair providing award money for lake related projects.
