Using a Science Café Format to Educate Homeowners on Stormwater Ponds

Abstract

Lakewood Ranch Protect Our Ponds is a group of residents, governance, and University of Florida researchers along with Manatee County Extension. This advisory board provides guidance for community education to the residents on their 320 stormwater ponds. Outreach topics include stormwater pond functions, pond maintenance, landscape maintenance effects on stormwater ponds, pollution runoff, and the best management practices in the landscape. A variety of outreach efforts have been tried to attract the attention of the community. One very successful attempt was a Science Café. This outreach event featured presentations about stormwater ponds, stormwater runoff, and how residents can protect local waterways. Local and University experts also had information tables with displays and there was a time to ask an expert. Attendees were provided light refreshments that had a pond theme—algae wraps, pond punch, and aquatic vegetables. As this educational outreach was advertised we found an interesting attraction to the event from the community. We only allowed 50 attendees to register and advertised it as “limited.” This small detail had community members signing up quickly and resulted in a waiting list.