tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91496438147176803122024-03-13T06:31:52.107-04:00See. Do. Show. H2OBlogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-90097829593056570652012-06-17T13:00:00.000-04:002012-06-17T18:54:43.143-04:00Last Post for H2Ohhh!This blog is the complement to the June 2, H2Ohhh! event at Camp Bayou.
Each week, we will post one of the questions from our contest. The post
will have some relevant info and maybe be a hint to the correct answer
to the question of the week.<br />
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The H2Ohhh! event is over and the prize contest deadline has passed. Over the past several weeks, there have been 5 weeks of paid advertisements in eight Tampa Tribune community papers with exposure on TBO.com, and 2 weeks of paid advertisements in the south Hillsborough County editions of the Observer News. All together, that amounts to over 2.2 million unique views per month (per newspaper distribution statistics). In addition, notices were sent via blogs, Camp Bayou newsletter, email blast and social media including Facebook and Twitter.<br />
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The contest entry, which also served as an evaluation mechanism, drew just over 200 entries. The initial entries averaged a score of 57%. Not everyone who submitted an early entry also submitted a post-event entry. The average score for those who did submit an entry after the June 2 event was 71%. This represents a knowledge increase of nearly 15%. In all, just 7 entries achieved a score of 100%. The most frequently missed questions were addressed in <a href="http://seedoshowh2o.blogspot.com/2012/06/last-week-for-entries.html" target="_blank">last week's blog</a>.<br />
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The winner's of the grand prizes, picked at random of entries with 100% correct:<br />
Logan Dodson- Hydration backpack (value: $150)<br />
Deborah Theisen- Water Quality Discovery Set (value: $20)<br />
Russell Owens- Dufflebag and hats (value: $20)<br />
Becki Stafford- Summer Fun Set (value: $20)<br />
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As promised, here are the answers to the seven knowledge questions. The one opinion question- How important is it for SWFWMD to fund community projects such as H2Ohhh!- scored 96% for those who felt it was important or very important.<br />
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1. What is the number one cause of pollution in Florida’s water bodies? <br />
Answer: Stormwater runoff <br />
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2. What is the simplest way to avoid problems in your landscape? <br />
Answer: Use plants best suited to your bed or landscape <br />
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3. How much water can be wasted per year by a leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second? <br />
Answer: 3,000 gallons <br />
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4. Which of the following uses less water? <br />
Answer: A 5-minute shower <br />
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5. How should you dispose of invasive plants on your property? <br />
Answer: Kill them and then dispose of them in household garbage <br />
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6. Why do invasive plants grow so fast? <br />
Answer: Pests and diseases from an invasive plant’s native country are not present in Florida <br />
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7. What is the best way to dispose of pet waste?<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 160; width: 100.0%;">
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Answer: Bag
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We hope everyone learned something new and came away with a renewed determination to conserve our most valuable resource- <b>WATER</b>.</div>
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</tbody></table>Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-57507665201481414592012-06-10T20:10:00.001-04:002012-06-11T10:16:50.567-04:00Last week for entries!This blog is the complement to the June 2, H2Ohhh! event at Camp Bayou. Each week, we will post one of the questions from our contest. The post will have some relevant info and maybe be a hint to the correct answer to the question of the week.<br />
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This is the last blog post before our grand prize drawing on Saturday, June 16. If you haven't had a chance yet to enter our contest, there are still a few days remaining to click the link at left and get your entry in. We especially encourage those who have already submitted an entry since only 1 in 17 people got all the answers correct.<br />
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Some answers to reconsider are these:<br />
- While industrial pollution is a serious problem, the fact that these issues can be traced back to the original polluter (point source pollution), means there is a greater likelihood that solutions can be found to address those problems. It is when the source of pollution is not obvious, perhaps small but frequent instances of pollution occurring throughout the watershed, that we find solutions so elusive. This is the hardest type of pollution to deal with in our region.<br />
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- A drop per second, every day, over the course of a year adds up to a lot more water than most people might think. This sounds like a word problem from school: If one drop = .0122 ounces (Google it and you get some variation of this amount) and there are 31,556,926 seconds in a year (again, Google to the rescue), how many gallons of water are lost when that drip continues every second for a year?<br />
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- The question about water used during baths or showers was addressed <a href="http://seedoshowh2o.blogspot.com/2012/06/water-woes.html" target="_blank">last week </a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span>Now that you know the questions that most commonly were wrong, you can answer all the questions correctly to ensure your eligibility for the grand prize drawing on June 16. Enter as often as you like but only one correct entry per email address will be entered into the drawing. <br />
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Be sure to click on the <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCVDSV2">link</a> to enter our contest for a chance to win great prizes related to water. Prize photos can be seen at left and include items such as a hydration backpack, a water quality 'discovery' set, and more...<br />
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All the answers, as well as our grand prize winners, will be announced in next week's blog post.Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-35508580246594538502012-06-06T07:36:00.004-04:002012-06-11T10:25:18.966-04:00H2Ohhh! in Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcmz0JChsJg/T89ASJ7rhJI/AAAAAAAACOE/utL__sJtKYY/s1600/2012-06-02+12.38.35-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcmz0JChsJg/T89ASJ7rhJI/AAAAAAAACOE/utL__sJtKYY/s320/2012-06-02+12.38.35-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493271 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407224" id="yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407293" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407292" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Canoeists on the last leg of H2Ohhh!- Aquatic Reflections </span></span></td></tr>
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<span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_13388187976172476" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_133881879761786" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The recent H2Ohhh! family-friendly event at the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center was attended by families, scout groups and others who were looking for a fun water-related activity for a Saturday morning. The next guided tour is the Pollinator Walk on June 23 from 9:30-10:30am. The next big event is the Back to School- Back to Nature event on August 4. </span></span><span id="yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407240"><br /></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407275" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_1338818797617101" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">At Saturday's event there were several aquatic activity tables set up on the “Big Lawn” with folks from <span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493169 yui_3_2_0_23_133898049440762" id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645183" style="font-family: Arial;"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645182" style="color: black;"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645181"><a href="http://www.keeptampabaybeautiful.org/" target="_blank">Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful</a>, Hillsborough County Solid Waste Recycling, <a href="http://www.tampabay.wateratlas.usf.edu/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay WaterAtlas</a>, <a href="http://leef-florida.org/" target="_blank">League of Environmental Educators in Florida</a>, <span id="yiv1323555370lw_1336486020_2"><span class="yiv1323555370yshortcuts"><a href="http://conserveitforward.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1323555370yshortcuts"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span id="yiv1323555370lw_1337511633_0"><span style="color: #0066cc;">ConserveItForward.org</span></span></span></span></a></span></span> and a few Camp Bayou volunteers. </span></span></span><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493139 yui_3_2_0_23_133898049440768" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_13388187976171032">Door prizes were awarded every half hour. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493151 yui_3_2_0_23_133898049440774" id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_13388187976171311" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Scheduled activities included native plant walks and critter netting. After a quick hot dog lunch, several guests joined in the canoe tour around the island, including a family who won the last door prize which was the use of 2 canoes for the tour. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493151 yui_3_2_0_23_133898049440786" id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_13388187976173069" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Guests were asked to complete a survey which also entered them into the final prize drawings of a hydration backpack; duffle bag, windbreaker and hats; water quality exploration kit or summer fun activities bag .</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493169 yui_3_2_0_23_133898049440790" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493181 yui_3_2_0_23_133898049440792" id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645198" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645197"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_13388187976172491" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you missed the event, you can still enter the prize drawing by filling out the survey link at </span><a href="http://seedoshowh2o.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1323555370yshortcuts" id="yiv1323555370lw_1338820016_0"><span style="color: purple; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">SeeDoShowH2O.blogspot.com</span></span></a><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_13388187976172995" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">. Since only entries with all correct answers are eligible for the drawing, it will help to browse through the event blog for hints to the answers. </span></span></span><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493183 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407102" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493187 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407104" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493193 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407108" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Deadline for entries is June 16.</span><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493195 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407110" style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493205 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407124" id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_13388187976173543" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">H-2-Ohhhh! is sponsored by grant from the Southwest Water Management District. Other sponsors include EcoWater and Sweetbay Supermarkets.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493211 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407130" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493213 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407132" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493139 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407136" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black;"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_22_13388187976173766" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">H2Ohhh! was also a </span><a href="http://www.americanhiking.org/NTDSearchResultOrganisationDetails.aspx?NTDId=3117" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1323555370yshortcuts" id="yiv1323555370lw_1338820016_1"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">National Trails Day's 'Trailgating'</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> event.</span></span></span><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493217 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407148" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">These activities are part of </span></span><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493219 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407152" style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.getoutdoorsflorida.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Get Outdoors Florida</span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">!, </span></span><a href="http://childrenandnature.ning.com/group/letsgo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1323555370yshortcuts"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Let's GO"- C&N</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.cbf.org/Page.aspx?pid=687" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1323555370yshortcuts"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">No Child Left Inside</span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Be Out There!-NWF,</span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let's Move Outside</span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> inspired initiatives. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493249 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407196" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Camp</span></span><span id="yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407391" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407390" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493251 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407202" id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645196" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Bayou Outdoor Learning Center (Camp Bayou) is neither a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program purchased the land. It is now open to the public for day use only. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, Camp Bayou offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families! Plus, it's open from Thursday–Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks.<br /><br />The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is managed by the newly created, non-profit <b>Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (BOLD)</b> in a public-private partnership with the non-profit </span><span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493253 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407204" id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645191" style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://ruskinfoundation.org/" id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645195" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1323555370yshortcuts" id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645194"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645193" style="color: #0066cc;">Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc.</span></span></a><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645190" style="color: black;"><span id="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_1_1338818800645189"> and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of S.R. 674 at the end of 24th St. S.E. in Ruskin. For more information, visit the website at </span></span><a href="http://www.campbayou.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yiv1323555370yshortcuts"><span style="color: purple;">www.campbayou.org</span></span></a><span style="color: black;"> or call (813) 641-8545.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1323555370yui_3_2_0_24_1337684604493271 yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407224" id="yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407293" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_23_1338980494407292" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">###<br /></span></span>Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-79429008556515219522012-06-03T19:19:00.001-04:002012-06-04T15:07:40.700-04:00Water Woes<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This blog is the complement to the June 2, H2Ohhh! event at Camp Bayou. Each week, we will post one of the questions from our contest. The post will have some relevant info and maybe be a hint to the correct answer to the question of the week.<br /><br />This past Saturday's H2Ohhh! event was a fun morning learning about water conservation and other water related discoveries. Plus many of our guests enjoyed a 2-hour paddle around the island south of Camp Bayou. Door prizes were awarded throughout the morning including water bottles, bandanas, fishing line holders and more.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For the grand prize drawing (pictured at left), we have received more than 100 entries with only 6 people providing all the correct answers. Remember, only entries with all the answers correct will be entered into the final drawing. If you aren't sure that you are one of the six, be sure to enter your answers again. But this time consider this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><u>THE</u> most controversial question was last week's question: <b>Which uses less water: A bath, a 5 minute shower, a 20 minute shower with a low-flow showerhead, or all use the same?</b></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: black;">Here's the stats straight from the Southwest Florida Water Management District's fact sheet:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Bathing uses </span><span style="font-size: small;">36 gallons for a full tub</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Showering with a n</span><span style="font-size: small;">on-conserving showerhead is 4 gallons per minute for 5 minutes totaling 20 gallons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile, showering with a conserving showerhead is 1.5-2.5 gallons per minute for 5 minutes totaling 7.5-12.5 gallons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The general term 'bath' has been called into question by some since not everyone assumes that a bath means a full soaking tub's worth of water. Some baths can use much less.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The other issue was that of the '5-minute' shower. It has been claimed by some that the only way to do a 5 minute shower is to turn the water on long enough to wet our skin and hair, then turn off the water to lather and shampoo, then turn the water on to rinse. Forget about shaving...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now that you are armed with the statistics, you can answer this question correctly to ensure your eligibility for the grand prize drawing on June 16. Enter as often as you like but only one correct entry per email address will be entered into the drawing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Be sure to click on the <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCVDSV2" target="_blank">link</a> to enter our contest for a chance to win great prizes related to water. Prize photos can be seen at left and include items such as a hydration backpack, a water quality 'discovery' set, and more...<br /><br />Return each week or subscribe via the box at left. </span></div>Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-61246196222054880292012-05-27T13:45:00.000-04:002012-05-27T13:45:08.489-04:00Conserve our WaterThis blog is the complement to the June 2, H2Ohhh! event at Camp Bayou.
Each week, we will post one of the questions from our contest. The post
will have some relevant info and maybe be a hint to the correct answer
to the question of the week.<br />
<br />
This is the last post before our event on Saturday, June 2. We expand our focus this week to explore the general issue of water conservation. We just can't ignore the fact that potable water availability is a critical issue all around the world. Water scarcity is the number one threat to life. <br />
<br />
There are many websites on the internet to help folks learn ways that use less water than has been common in the past. If we all do our part, we can help ensure that our region has adequate supplies in the future.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://epa.gov/watersense/pubs/res.html" target="_blank">Water Sense</a><br />
<a href="http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/thepowerof10/" target="_blank">Water Use Calculator</a><br />
<a href="http://library.conservefloridawater.org/" target="_blank">Conserve Florida Water Library</a><br />
<a href="http://water.org/water-crisis/water-facts/water/">Water.org</a><br />
<a href="http://www.friendlywaterfortheworld.com/">Friendly Water for the World</a><br />
<br />
This week's question is, <b>Which uses less water: A bath, a 5 minute shower, a 20minute shower with a low-flow showerhead?</b> <br />
<br />
Be sure to click on the <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCVDSV2" target="_blank">link</a>
to enter our contest for a chance to win great prizes related to water.
Prize photos can be seen at left and include items such as a hydration
backpack, a water quality 'discovery' set, and more...<br />
<br />
Return each week or subscribe via the box at left.Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-1305500683602491032012-05-20T18:48:00.000-04:002012-05-22T19:17:05.366-04:00Learn more at H2Ohhh!<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">We're keeping this week's blog post short so we can include the official announcement for the H2Ohhhh!- Aquatic Reflections event less than two weeks from now!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">This week's question is-<b> What is the simplest way to avoid problems in your landscape?</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Here's a few great resources: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/yards/tipcards/tip1.html" target="_blank">Right Plant, Right Place </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep416" target="_blank">The Art and Science of Landscape Design</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/FFL/right-plant-right-place.html" target="_blank">Florida Friendly Landscaping</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.floridayards.org/fyplants/index.php" target="_blank">Florida Friendly Plant Database</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The answer to this and all the other questions will be revealed at our special event:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1XZwzpgKtg/SWZSDyG-yBI/AAAAAAAAAqk/m9dy-jwEtAo/s1600/eagleaudcanoetrip-747800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1XZwzpgKtg/SWZSDyG-yBI/AAAAAAAAAqk/m9dy-jwEtAo/s1600/eagleaudcanoetrip-747800.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">H-2-Ohhh! </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />Aquatic Reflections <br />Saturday, June 2, 2012 <br />9 a.m.–2 p.m. <br />FREE family-friendly fun! <br /><br />Pre-registration is appreciated for H2Ohhh! at </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.campbayou.org/">www.campbayou.org</a>. You'll also be entered into the contest for grand prizes such as a hydration backpack when you register. Visitors can register at the event if internet access is unavailable.<br /><br /> There will be several aquatic activity tables set up on the “Big Lawn” with folks from Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, Tampa Bay WaterAtlas, League of Environmental Educators in Florida, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://conserveitforward.org/">ConserveItForward.org</a> and Camp Bayou volunteers. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the morning for water related items such as water bottles, water test kits and more. <br /><br />Scheduled activities:</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /> 9am: Gates Open- check in at registration table<br /> 9:30am: Aquatic Critter Netting with George<br /> 10am: Native Plants Walk with Diane<br /> 10:30am: Watercolor painting demo with Ruth<br /> 11am: Landscapes for Learning with Dolly<br /> 11:30am: Swamp Dog Lunch available for purchase- $5 includes hot dog, chips and drink <br />Noon: Final door prize drawings for free use of canoe during afternoon paddle- 5 winners will be picked! <br />12:30-2pm: Canoeing the Little Manatee River Loop with Camp Bayou staff<br /><br />If you have your own canoe or kayak, you are welcome to join us on this 90 minute paddle around the island south of Camp Bayou.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /><br />Can't make the event? You can still enter the prize drawing by filling out the survey link at </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://seedoshowh2o.blogspot.com/">SeeDoShowH2O.blogspot.com</a>. Since only entries with all correct answers are eligible for the drawing, it will help to attend the event where all the questions will be answered during the morning, or browse through the event blog. Deadline for entries is June 16. <br /><br />H-2-Ohhhh! is sponsored by grant from the Southwest Water Management District. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /><br />H2Ohhh! is also a </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.americanhiking.org/NTDSearchResultOrganisationDetails.aspx?NTDId=3117">National Trails Day's 'Trailgating'</a> event.These activities are part of <a href="http://www.getoutdoorsflorida.com/">Get Outdoors Florida</a>!, <a href="http://childrenandnature.ning.com/group/letsgo">"Let's GO"- C&N</a>, <a href="http://www.cbf.org/Page.aspx?pid=687">No Child Left Inside</a>, <a href="http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There.aspx">Be Out There!-NWF,</a> and <a href="http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside">Let's Move Outside</a> inspired initiatives. <br /><br />Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center (Camp Bayou) is neither a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program purchased the land. It is now open to the public for day use only. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, Camp Bayou offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families! Plus, it's open from Thursday–Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks.<br /><br /> The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is managed by the newly created, non-profit Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (BOLD) in a public-private partnership with the non-profit </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://ruskinfoundation.org/">Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc.</a> and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of S.R. 674 at the end of 24th St. S.E. in Ruskin. For more information, visit the website at <a href="http://www.campbayou.org/">www.campbayou.org</a> or call (813) 641-8545. <br /> ###</span>Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-86631938240666450642012-05-13T09:57:00.000-04:002012-05-14T10:13:57.284-04:00Pest Plant ProblemThis blog is the complement to the June 2, H2Ohhh! event at Camp Bayou. Each week, we will post one of the questions from our contest. The post will have some relevant info and maybe be a hint to the correct answer to the question of the week.<br />
<br />
You have looked at the plants in your yard and discover you have a few of those nasty pests. What to do now? You can pull them out if there are just a few and not too big or you can spray with herbicide if coverage is more widespread. Be careful which chemical you use since there are regulations and environmental concerns for each of them. There are some great resources out there to learn how to remove those pests in the most effective way possible. Be sure to check out these websites before you start slashing or spraying:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/resources/publications/conservationservices/invasiveplants.pdf" target="_blank">Identification and Control of Invasive Plants (PDF)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tbep.org/pdfs/BrazilianPepper_web.pdf" target="_blank">Brazilian Pepper Identify and Eradicate (PDF)</a><br />
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag259" target="_blank">Herbicides to Kill Invasive Trees </a><br />
<a href="http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/pdfs/AERF_handbook.pdf" target="_blank">Biology and Control of Aquatic Plants (PDF) </a><br />
<br />
For a peek into other methods used in natural areas, check out this <a href="http://www.invasive.org/gist/handbook.html" target="_blank">manual </a>from The Nature Conservancy.<br />
<br />
This leads us to the next critical step for preventing the spread or recurrence of those pests in your landscape and beyond.<br />
<br />
This week's question is, <b>How should you dispose of invasive plants on your property?</b> <br />
<br />
Be sure to click on the <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCVDSV2" target="_blank">link</a> to enter our contest for a chance to win great prizes related to water. Prize photos can be seen at left and include items such as a hydration backpack, a water quality 'discovery' set, and more...<br />
<br />
Return each week or subscribe via the box at left.Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-51976646844545742992012-05-12T07:59:00.003-04:002012-05-12T08:00:02.919-04:00Media Release for H2Ohhh!H-2-Ohhhh! <br />
Aquatic Reflections <br />
Saturday, June 2, 2012<br />
9 a.m.–2 p.m.<br />
FREE family-friendly fun!<br />
<br />
Participants are asked to pre-register for H2Ohhh! at <a href="http://www.campbayou.org/">http://www.campbayou.org/</a>.<br />
<br />
There will be several aquatic activity tables set up on the "Big Lawn."
Plus, since it is National Trails Day, there will be hikes that
highlight water-related facts. For instance, did you know that our
native prickly pear cactus is a great survival plant for people as well
as animals? The flowers produce edible fruit and the prickly pads can be
peeled away to provide a moist snack when water is scarce.<br />
<br />
Participating organizations include Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, Tampa Bay WaterAtlas and ConserveItForward.org. <br />
<br />
These activities are part of <a href="http://www.getoutdoorsflorida.com/">Get Outdoors Florida</a>!, <a href="http://childrenandnature.ning.com/group/letsgo">"Let's GO"- C&N</a>, <a href="http://www.cbf.org/Page.aspx?pid=687">No Child Left Inside</a>, <a href="http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There.aspx">Be Out There!-NWF,</a> and <a href="http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside">Let's Move Outside</a> inspired initiatives. Camp Bayou is an active member of <a href="http://leef-florida.org/">LEEF (League of Environmental Educators in Florida</a>).<br />
<br />
Can't make the event? You can still enter the prize drawing by filling
out the survey on the registration webpage. Since only entries with all
correct answers are eligible for the drawing, it will help to attend the
event where all the questions will be answered during the morning
course. <br />
<br />
Still can't make the event? During May, the event blog at <a href="http://bit.ly/602media">http://bit.ly/602media</a>
will post information that may include hints to all the answers. You
can also sign up for blog updates in the box on the left side of the
webpage.<br />
<br />
Deadline for entries is June 16.<br />
<br />
H-2-Ohhhh! is sponsored by grant from the Southwest Water Management District.<br />
<br />
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center (Camp Bayou) is neither a campground
nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program
purchased the land. It is now open to the public for day use only.
Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, Camp Bayou offers
pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and
families! Plus, it's open from Thursday–Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. for
passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature
photography and trail walks.<br />
<br />
The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is managed by the newly created,
non-profit Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (BOLD) in a
public-private partnership with the non-profit <a href="http://ruskinfoundation.org/">Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc.</a>
and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou
is located 3 miles south of S.R. 674 at the end of 24th St. S.E. in
Ruskin. For more information, visit the website at <a href="http://www.campbayou.org/">http://www.campbayou.org/</a> or call (813) 641-8545.Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-9071616024932643212012-05-06T18:10:00.000-04:002012-05-08T14:44:59.956-04:00May in the GardenThis blog is the complement to the June 2, H2Ohhh! event at Camp Bayou. Each week, we will post one of the questions from our contest. The post will have some relevant info and maybe be a hint to the correct answer to the question of the week.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
May is the month for many special things- May Day, National Teacher's Day, <a href="http://www.birdday.org/" target="_blank">International Migratory Bird Day</a>, Mother's Day, <a href="http://www.stopextinction.org/esd.html" target="_blank">Endangered Species Day</a>, Sally Ride Day, Memorial Day, and among others...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nwf.org/gardenmonth" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><img border="0" src="http://www.nwf.org/~/media/Content/Specialty%20Programs/Garden%20for%20Wildlife/GFWM/Badges/CWH_Spring2012_220x180_Butterfly.ashx" /></a> </div>
If you want to encourage wildlife to visit your yard there are some great resources out there to find out what the best choices may be to attract birds, butterflies and other interesting critters. While you're thinking about what to put IN your yards, remember to think about what to take OUT. Exotic invasive plants often find their way into your yard, with or without your permission. You'll want to learn how to identify and eradicate these troublesome plants to help stop the spread of this problem throughout Florida. Some websites for more information include:<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<a href="http://www.fnps.org/pages/plants/invasives.php" target="_blank">Florida Native Plant Society- Invasive Exotic Plants </a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_559280881" target="_blank">Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council</a><a href="http://www.fleppc.org/list/list.htm" target="_blank">- Invasive Plant List</a><br />
<a href="http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank">Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants </a><br />
<a href="http://www.eddmaps.org/tools/statereport.cfm?id=us_fl" target="_blank">EDDSMaps- Florida</a><br />
<a href="http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/fl.shtml" target="_blank">National Invasive Species Information Center- Florida </a><br />
<a href="http://www.orange.wateratlas.usf.edu/flip/" target="_blank">FLIP- Florida Invasive Plant species mobile field guide</a><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
This week's question: <b>Why do invasive plants grow so fast?</b><br />
<br />
Be sure to click on the <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCVDSV2" target="_blank">link</a> to enter our contest for a chance to win great prizes related to water. Prize photos can be seen at left and include items such as a hydration backpack, a water quality 'discovery' set, and more...<br />
<br />
Return each week or subscribe via the box at left.Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-62193731324336655412012-04-29T10:27:00.000-04:002012-04-29T10:27:53.660-04:00Let's G.O.!This blog is the complement to the June 2, H2Ohhh! event at Camp Bayou. Each week, we will post one of the questions from our contest. The post will have some relevant info and maybe be a hint to the correct answer to the question of the week.<br />
<br />
This is the last week of April which has been designated "Let's G.O.! (Get Outside!) month. <br />
<br />
Let’s G.O.! is a youth-inspired, youth-led <a href="http://childrenandnature.ning.com/" target="_blank">Children & Nature Network</a> initiative to rally people of all ages to Play, Serve and Celebrate outside. One of the founding members is Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods" and "The Nature Principle", two great books to introduce the New Nature Movement.<br />
<br />
To learn more, visit the <a href="http://www.childrenandnature.org/" target="_blank">Children & Nature website</a> which also has opportunities to connect with like-minded parents, teachers and leaders in your community. It also contains a number of research studies and publications that explore the connection (or disconnection) of children and nature. There is more than anecdotal evidence that children need nature to develop to their fullest potential.<br />
<br />
There are often a variety of barriers to getting kids outside. One of the least mentioned is, never-the-less, a common problem for anyone out enjoying nature. It is also a huge issue to ensure the quality of our water. <br />
<br />
This week's question is, <b>What is the best way to dispose of pet waste?</b><br />
<br />
Be sure to click on the <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCVDSV2" target="_blank">link</a>
to enter our contest for a chance to win great prizes related to water.
Prize photos can be seen at left and include items such as a hydration
backpack, a water quality 'discovery' set, and more...<br />
<br />
Return each week or subscribe via the box at left.Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-88937861771057121022012-04-22T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-23T09:20:13.004-04:00Earth Day!This blog is the complement to the June 2, H2Ohhh! event at Camp Bayou. Each week, we will post one of the questions from our contest. The post will have some relevant info and maybe be a hint to the correct answer to the question of the week.<br />
<br />
<b>Today we celebrate Earth Day! </b><br />
<br />
Earth Day started back on April 22, 1970. In December 1970, Congress authorized the creation of a new federal agency to tackle environmental issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more on Earth Day, the EPA and related links, visit <a href="http://www.epa.gov/earthday/history.htm">http://www.epa.gov/earthday/history.htm</a> .<br />
<br />
One of the issues that was brought to light is connected to water. It is one of the main ingredients of life and yet we often have too much, too little or inferior quality water instead of the pure, clear water that is essential to keep us and our plants and animals healthy. <br />
<br />
<strong>So this week's question is, what is the #1 source of water pollution in Florida?</strong><br />
<br />
Be sure to click on the <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCVDSV2" target="_blank">link</a> to enter our contest for a chance to win great prizes related to water. Prize photos can be seen at left and include items such as a hydration backpack, a water quality 'discovery' set, and more...<br />
<br />
Return each week or subscribe via the box at left.Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149643814717680312.post-6967973688761360892012-04-01T15:31:00.001-04:002012-04-15T17:51:41.914-04:00Join us for H2Ohhhh- Aquatic ReflectionsWelcome to See. Do. Show. H2O.<br />
<br />
This blog is the compliment to the upcoming event at the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, Ruskin:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>H-2-Ohhhh! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aquatic Reflections </i><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday </div><div style="text-align: center;">June 2, 2012</div><div style="text-align: center;">9am-2pm</div><div style="text-align: left;">Participants are asked to complete the <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCVDSV2">survey</a> to register and enter the prize drawing.<br />
<br />
There will be aquatic activity tables set up on the 'Big Lawn' plus, since it is National Trail Day, there will be hikes that highlight water related facts- did you know that our native prickly pear cactus is a great survival plant- for people as well as animals? The flowers produce edible fruit and the prickly pads can be peeled to provide a moist snack when water is scarce.<br />
<br />
Can't make the event? You can still enter the prize drawing by filling out the survey but since only entries with all correct answers are eligible for the drawing, it will help to attend the event since all the questions will be answered during the course of the morning. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Still can't make the event? Over the several weeks before the event, this blog will post information that will include the answers to all the questions so check back often or sign up for the updates in the box on the left side of this page.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Deadline for entries is June 16.</div>Blogwrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127731877787695903noreply@blogger.com0