PROTECT FLORIDA’S WATERWAYS:
FLORIDA’S WATERSHEDS
Osceola County is headwaters
to two major river systems: the
Kissimmee River and the St. Johns River.
What happens here DOES NOT stay here!
It goes with the flow.
RESOURCE
Florida’s Water – Ours to Protect
http://www.protectingourwater.org/
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/watersheds/images/watershed-groups2.jpg
What is a watershed?
the Kissimmee River and the St. Johns River. For
example, water that falls in downtown Kissimmee
We all live in a watershed. A watershed is an
flows into Lake Tohopekaliga. Lake Tohopekaliga
area of land where all of the water that flows
collects rainfall from the Shingle Creek Watershed
over the ground, into the ground and under the
and East Lake Tohopekaliga Watershed and
ground flows to a central body of water such
water then flows through the Upper Kissimmee
as a lake, pond, river or ocean. The boundary
Chain of Lakes to the Kissimmee River and then
of the watershed is higher than the waterway
to Lake Okeechobee before flowing into the
or waterbody that collects the rainfall. Small
Everglades. Our area is known as “Headwaters to
watersheds may merge to form larger watersheds.
the Everglades”. Rainfall from the Kissimmee area
People, business, plants and animals depend on
eventually makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean or
clean water. Activities within a watershed can
Gulf of Mexico in coastal areas called estuaries
either protect or pollute water in a watershed. We
where fresh and salt water mix. Rainfall on the
must all work together to be sure our personal and
vast ranch lands east of Harmony flows into creeks
community actions keep our water clean.
that lead to the St. Johns River and are part of the
Osceola County is headwaters to two major rivers; Upper St. Johns River Watershed.
Lakeshore Blvd.
LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA
Know the Flow!
Where Does Rain Go?
Even though we live inland in Central Florida, water that falls
lls in
our yards flows through the soil or across the land to a pond, lake
or river that drains to the ocean. Each of us can help keep our
ur
local and coastal waters clean. Understand how water connects
cts
us all and what we can do to keep it clean.
Rain becomes stormwater when iit flows off roofs and over
driveways, lawns, sidewalks, stree
streets, and ditches. It picks up
pollution and carries it downstrea
downstream. Stormwater may flow into
a storm se
sewer system through roadside
swales
sw
swales, ditches, curbside gutters and
un
underground pipes and end up
in a neighborhood manmade
st
stormwater treatment pond.
So
Sometimes developers and sales
agents
ag call these lakes. In older
neighborhoods
neig
and in rural areas,
stormw
stormwater may flow directly to a natural
lake, stream
stream, creek, river, wetland, or coastal
waterway. These same water bodi
bodies are important for wildlife,
boating, swimming, fishing and oth
other recreational activities.
Sometimes the water is also used for drinking water.
Where Does Rain Come From?
Rain is almost a daily occurrence in the summer and is part of
what makes Florida ecosystems special. The Water Cycle
demonstrates how water moves through the atmosphere and
the land in an endless cycle. Our natural Florida ecosystems
have developed over time and are adapted to the amount
of rainfall that occurs in our area as well as how long the water
ter
stays on the land.
Stormwater pollutant
pollutants include litter, soil, leaves,
grass clippings, fer
fertilizer, pesticides, detergents, pet
waste, automobile fluids, fuel and other chemicals.
Leaves, branches, palm fronds and grass clippings
drain and cause flooding.
can clog storm drains
wa that gets washed into
Fertilizer, including pet waste,
the storm drain may cause aquatic
aquati weeds and algae to grow in
stormwater ponds and natural waterways.
wat
The water could turn
green and smelly and result in fis
fish kills.
PRECIPITATION falls from clouds to the earth as rain, snow, or ice.
ce
An average of 52 inches of rain falls on Central Florida each year.
Excess water, called RUNOFF, flows from land into ponds, lakes
and canals. In Central Florida, the water also flows from land into
wetlands, marshes and estuaries and into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf
of Mexico.
Graphic source: http://www.clarksvillesw.com/residents.html
Aquarium fish and plants that have been dumped into waterways
have become invasive species tha
that do not have natural enemies
here. They interfere with the ecolog
ecology and the balance of natural
plants and animals in our waterw
waterways and are expensive to manage.
Know the flow. From raindrop to rooftop to storm drain
and pond, water carries pollution downstream through
creeks, lakes and rivers to our coastal areas and beaches.
Keep our water clean here to protect drinking water and
living things downstream.
Some rainfall slowly seeps, or percolates, into the ground to
RECHARGE, or refill the underground layers of sand, gravel, or rock.
These layers, called AQUIFERS, hold water. In Central Florida, wells
are drilled into some aquifers to pump out water needed for people,
businesses and farms. Water can also flow through aquifers to
refill lakes and rivers and sometimes bubbles out of the ground as
freshwater springs.
The sun heats up the earth’s surface, causing water to turn
to vapor as it evaporates. Plants release water through
transpiration. Together, all the water rising into the air is called
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION. The warm vapor continues to rise until it
reaches cooler air, where it CONDENSES into very small droplets or
ice crystals, forming clouds.
When water droplets in clouds become too heavy, precipitation falls
to the ground and the WATER CYCLE begins again.
Photo credit Jenny Welch
Courtesy of South FL Water Management District
The Rainy Season
and Flooding
Management monitors storm updates to pass information on to media
sources for distribution. Be sure to get a Weather Alert Radio so you
can stay tuned to severe weather event updates.
In central and south Florida, the wet season is typically mid-May
through October when 70 percent of the year’s rain falls. The region
receives an average of 52 inches throughout the year. Flooding may
happen when large amounts of rain occur over a short period of time
or from a single, heavy storm, tropical system or hurricane. The South
Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) operates the regional
system of canals, levees and water control structures to lessen the
impact of floods. The system connects to local drainage districts and
smaller neighborhood systems to manage flood water during and after
heavy rains. In Osceola County, the primary threat of flooding results
from the “ponding” of water during heavy storms.
For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest
investment. Property losses due to flooding are not covered under
most standard homeowners’ insurance policies. You can protect your
home and its contents with flood insurance through the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
What to Expect
• After a heavy rain, water in streets, swales, yards and low-lying areas
is expected and normal. These areas store and convey water to
function as critical components of neighborhood drainage facilities.
• Water may take longer to subside as the ground becomes saturated.
As it soaks into the ground, the water is recharging aquifers.
What You Can Do
To ensure peak performance of drainage systems, property
managers and residents should conduct the following inspections:
• Grates, pipe openings and connections to culverts should be
free of sediment, trash and debris.
• Swales and grassy water storage areas should be within
proper specifications for height, length and depth and free of
excess vegetation.
Flood Insurance
The NFIP is a federal program established by Congress in 1968 which
enables property owners to buy flood insurance at reasonable rates
in participating communities. In return, participating communities
carry out flood management measures designed to protect life
and property from future flooding. The NFIP is administered by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Federal Insurance
Administration. Osceola County has participated in the NFIP since
1982. The Osceola County NFIP number is 120189.
To find out more about flood insurance for your property and its
contents, contact your insurance agent. There is usually a 30 day
waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect, so don’t wait
until a storm threatens before you secure the flood insurance you need.
Property Protection Measures
Every year, flooding causes more property damage in the United States
than any other type of natural disaster. While recent construction
practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flooding,
many existing structures remain susceptible. Throughout the country
there is a growing interest from property owners to develop practical
and cost effective methods for reducing or eliminating exposures to
• Ditches and canals should have all trash, sediment and dead
vegetation removed so flow of water is not obstructed.
Turn Around Don’t Drown®
More deaths occur each year from flooding than from any other severe
weather hazard. Roadways covered with water can be deceptive and it is
difficult to determine how deep the water actually is. STOP. Do not drive
into these areas or walk through flowing waters. It may be difficult to see
the edge of the road or where deep roadside ditches are located. As little
as 1 to 2 feet of water may float a car or truck off the road into dangerous
conditions. As little as 6 inches of flowing water can sweep you off your
feet. Turn Around Don’t Drown®.
Flood Warning System
In the event of flood potential, the County receives notification from the
Office of Emergency Management and certain departments are alerted.
The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing the appropriate
warning through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) Weather Radio. This same process alerts local news media
sources (radio and television) to distribute instructions to the public. If
necessary, Fire and Law Enforcement officials may notify area residents
by door-to-door personal contact, telephone, and use of sirens
and public address systems. During significant storms, Emergency
Instead of visible snowcapped mountains that capture
water in cracks and crevices, most of our drinking water
comes from underground “mountains” of limestone called
aquifers – which are replenished by rain. Deep down is the
Floridan Aquifer, separated by the confining layer of dense
rock. The Floridan Aquifer spans the state and is Central
Florida’s primary drinking water source.
flooding. Several effective ways include acquisition and relocation of a
building to a site not subject to flooding, construction of floodwalls or
berms to keep water away from the property, or retrofitting structures to
make them floodproof.
In the event of pending flood threats it is always advisable to take the
following emergency actions:
• Sand bagging to reduce erosion and scouring.
• Elevate furniture above flood protection levels.
• Create floodway openings in non-habitable areas such as
garage doors.
• Seal off sewer lines to the dwelling to prevent the backflow of
sewer waters.
Natural and Beneficial
Functions of the Floodplain
• Natural flood and erosion control: Providing flood storage and
conveyance, reduce flood velocity.
• Water quality: Filters nutrients and impurities from runoff.
• Ground water recharge: Reduces frequency and duration of
surface flow.
• Biological resources: Supports high rate of plant growth,
provides breeding and feeding grounds and enhances water fowl
habitat.
• Societal resources: Provides recreation, open space and
aesthetic pleasures, and in areas of scientific study, provides
opportunities for environmental research.
STORMWATER & RUNOFF POLLUTION SOLUTIONS
➊
➋
➎
➌
➍
➑
➏
➒
➐
What is wrong with this picture? What could they do
to prevent stormwater pollution? Above picture shows
examples of people cleaning their homes and cars, but in ways
that can damage the environment, especially our water.
➊ Trash in garage - Put in recycle bins or closed garbage cans
until pick up day.
➋ Fluid leak under car - Use absorbent, such as kitty litter and
dispose of waste at collection center.
➌ Washing paintbrush in driveway - Use water-based paint and
clean over the lawn.
➍ Garbage cans with no lid - Use a can with a secure lid.
➎ Spraying pesticide - Grow Florida Friendly plants that do not
need pesticides.
➏ Automobile fluids draining on driveway - Keep vehicles
maintained. Collect and recycle used oil.
➐ Pet poop on lawn - Pick up pet waste and flush it or put it
into the garbage can.
➑ Washing grass clippings off the driveway into the storm drain
- Blow or sweep leaves and grass clippings off paved walks
and driveway. Start a compost pile.
➒ Mowing clippings onto pavement - Mow so the clippings stay
on the lawn.
Landscape Care
✓ Blow grass clippings onto the lawn, not into the street.
✓ Grow Florida Friendly Plants that will need little care or
chemicals.
✓ Plant “the right plants in the right place.”
✓ Sweep or rake leaves and grass clippings off driveways and
sidewalks into the lawn instead of washing them off.
✓ Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep or blow from driveways,
sidewalks and roads into yards.
✓ Use natural mulch near plants, but keep it away from trunks
and stems.
✓ Grow groundcovers or grass to prevent bare soil in the yard.
✓ Compost yard waste instead of throwing it away.
✓ Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - use the least
toxic pesticides to kill insects and weeds.
✓ Direct roof downspouts into the lawn and
landscape and away from paved surfaces.
✓ Install rain barrels or cisterns to collect rainwater
and reduce runoff.
Pet Care
Runoff and Stormwater
Pollution Prevention
Each of us can help prevent pollution and keep stormwater and
our natural lakes and oceans clean. Water that goes down street
drains goes into ponds and lakes. Pollutants that get into the
water can harm plants and animals and contaminate drinking
water supplies downstream. Be sure that rain, and only rain, goes
down the storm drain.
✓ Pick up after your pet and put waste in thee
toilet or garbage.
✓ Contact pet stores for ways to share
unwanted pets and aquarium fish and plants. Don’t dump
them in ponds or lakes.
Car Care
✓ Wash cars at a commercial carwash or
on the lawn, instead of in the driveway.
✓ Keep vehicles well maintained.
✓ Check for fluid leaks and recycle used motor oil.
✓ Dispose of tires and batteries at collection centers.
Home Care
✓ Select larger size quantities with less packaging so there is
not so much to throw away.
✓ Reuse items or take to “second hand stores” so products
can be reused.
✓ Recycle paper, glass, plastic and other products curbside or
at collection centers.
✓ Put garbage cans and recycling bins with secure lids by the
curb just before pickup time.
✓ Dispose of batteries, unwanted paint, unwanted household
cleaners, pesticides and other chemicals at local collection
centers.
✓ Contact your pharmacy or law enforcement for information
on disposal of medicine; never down the drain or toilet.
✓ Use rechargeable batteries.
✓ Pick up litter so it does not get into the street or wash into
nearby ponds and lakes.
✓ Inspect septic tanks regularly and pump waste as needed.
Get Involved in the Community
✓ Organize or participate in a litter clean up event.
✓ Become a citizen scientist and collect water samples as a
UF IFAS Lakewatch Volunteer.
✓ Record bird counts for UF IFAS Bird Monitoring Program and
the Audubon Society.
✓ Volunteer to stencil street curb drains with Only Rain Down
the Drain messages.
✓ Help family, friends and neighbors learn how to prevent
stormwater pollution.
✓ Encourage the community to
plant native wetland plants around
nd
pond shorelines.
✓ Learn about local wildlife, their
behaviors and habitat needs.
Flood Prevention
✓ Know your Flood Hazard potential. Find out what your FEMA
property flood zone is.
✓ Consider purchasing Flood Insurance through the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
✓ Keep ditches, canals, swales and grassy water storage areas
maintained for good stormwater flow.
✓ Clean debris, litter, leaves and grass clippings out of
roadside curb gutters, grates and drains.
✓ Don’t drive through flooded areas or walk through flowing
waters. Turn Around Don’t Drown.®
✓ Build responsibly and follow all building codes.
✓ Protect your house and property
from flood damage.
✓ Contact a plumber to seal off
sewer lines to the house to prevent
the backflow of sewer waters.
What Lives at
the Waterfront?
Waterfront areas along ditches, ponds,
lakes, and rivers provide homes, known
as habitat, for a variety of wildlife. Keep
our waterways clean. In addition to
providing homes for fish and
wildlife, downstream lakes
and rivers serve as drinking
water for our neighbors
in South Florida. Learn
h
s
u
b
about our interesting
Button
plants and animals as you visit nearby
lakes, ponds, parks and nature trails.
Wetland Plants
Some plants are adapted to growing in wet soils along
shorelines. Others can tolerate being
underwater or in drier soil as water
levels fluctuate. Native wetland plants
provide natural food for butterflies, birds
and other animals. Some have attractive
flowers. Insects that eat
plant are critical food
for baby birds and other
wetland wildlife. Plants
protect the shores from
low
Scarlet Mal
wave damage and keep
litter from blowing into the water. Plants
Pickerelweed
near and in the water use nutrients from fertilizer, decomposing
leaves and grass clippings that may get into the waterway. Excess
nutrients in the water result in excessive plant growth including
invasive aquatic weeds and algae which can cause the water to
become green, smelly and unattractive. Too much fertilizer and
nutrients in the water may also result in fish kills.
Wildlife
Visitors from around the world come to our area to view and
photograph the variety of plants and animals found here in
Central Florida. Long legged wading birds
and ducks are frequently seen in
and near the water. Watch their
behaviors and learn key color
patterns to distinguish some of
the most common birds in our
area. Some species are rare
and considered endangered or
threatened. We have the largest
Purple Gallinule
population of nesting bald eagles
in the lower 48 states. Ospreys, or fish hawks, are often seen
diving for fish. River otters, turtles, frogs, alligators and snakes
are other wildlife at the waterfront. Natural landscaping and
native plants provide food and resting and roosting areas for
wildlife. Sometimes residents want to
remove the plants, incorrectly thinking
it will discourage unwanted life.
Though some want only lawn grass
to the water’s edge, it upsets the
balance of natural predators for
managing wildlife populations and
often results in dangerous bank
erosion. Removing wetland plants
on a natural shoreline may require
Bald Eagle
a special permit from the State of
Florida through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC). Contact Ed Harris, FWC Invasive Plant
Management at (407-858-6170) for more information.
Don’t Feed the Wildlife
Let wildlife be wild and forage for food
naturally. It is best for their health and
safety. It is illegal in Florida to feed
alligators, sandhill cranes and some
other wild animals. It may seem fun
to invite a flock of birds to feed on
bread, popcorn or other human food,
but it is not their natural diet and may
make them sick. In addition, feeding
birds
and wildlife
Sandhill Crane
causes the animals to lose their fear of
people and they are more likely to be
injured by cars or pets as they look
for handouts from people. Sometimes
animals become aggressive when
they learn to expect food from people.
Sandhill cranes have powerful beaks
and wings and can be dangerous if
provoked, especially for children.
Snowy Egret
Alligators and Snakes
Alligators and snakes are natural throughout Florida and serve
important roles in the balance of nature. They have a natural
fear of humans so if you see one on the shore or in the water,
stay back and observe. Most species of snakes in Florida are
lose their natural fear of people. Alligators are present in most
water bodies so swim in designated swimming areas for safety.
Small alligators under 4 feet long rarely cause problems. They
are naturally afraid of people and too small to be a threat to
most pets. Their natural diet includes turtles, fish, frogs, snakes,
and other small animals. Call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at
1-866-FWC-GATOR (1-866-392-4286) if an alligator less than
four feet in length:
• Approaches people
• Does not retreat if approached.
• Is in a location that is not natural
To Do List:
Get binoculars
Take a walk at the lakefront
Join a group that enjoys nature
Take a field trip with a group
Lizard’s-tail
Visit a wildlife attraction
Visit a native plant nursery
Contact UF IFAS Extension in Osceola County
about waterfront plant and wildlife questions
Report wildlife harassment - WILDLIFE ALERT
HOTLINE - 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)
Birding 101
Register for upcoming classes and learn about birds,
wildlife, lakes, stormwater ponds, pollution prevention,
nature trails and other natural resources and
environmental issues by contacting:
UF IFAS Extension in Osceola County
at Osceola Heritage Park
1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Call 321-697-3000. http//osceola.ifas.ufl.edu/nat_resources.shtml
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) http://myfwc.com
Florida Native Plant Society Pine Lily Chapter
http://pinelily.fnpschapters.org/
American Alligator
non-venomous. Often non-venomous snakes are misidentified as
venomous cottonmouth water moccasins. Watch where you step.
Feeding alligators in the wild is illegal. If an alligator approaches
you, someone has likely been feeding it. It causes the animals to
Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society
http://kissimmeeaudubon.org
Nature Trails
http://osceola.ifas.ufl.edu/nat_resources_trails.shtml
Photos of Plants and Wildlife Courtesy of Jenny Welch
What is
Chikungunya?
Chikungunya (pronounced chick-en-GOON-ya), or CHIKV, is a virus
that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitos. The resulting
illness is also called chikungunya. The translation of chikungunya
means “illness of the bended walker,” “that which bends up,”
stooped over, walking bent over, or “bended walker.” These words
refer to the arthritic condition that occurs in some patients which
gives rise to a stooped posture.
Are Floridians at Risk?
YES. If mosquitos bite an infected person and then bite another
person, the virus can be transmitted from person to person.
How can it be prevented?
DUMP AND COVER!
DUMP containers which hold water to reduce mosquito vectors.
Mosquitos which can carry the virus are common in our area and
include Ae.albopictus and Ae. aegypti. Both types lay their eggs in
containers to complete larval development. This includes containers
from bucket-sized to something as small as a bottle cap that holds
water. Ae.albopictus in particular is able to utilize an array of both
natural and artificial containers. To reduce the mosquito vectors,
source reduction is the best method.
• Remove all container sources that can hold water including:
bottles, cans, flower pots with saucer bases, clogged gutters,
tires, lawn equipment such as wheel barrows, and items that are
covered with tarps.
• Other types of containers can be modified as follows: flush
and replace water in bird baths, bromeliad plants, and
pet dishes several times a week; cover water collection
containers, such as rain barrels, with netting to prevent
female mosquitoes from entering to lay eggs.
• Start a neighborhood watch program and sponsor container
clean-up days to remove or modify water-holding containers in
the area.
COVER up with clothing during the day and wear mosquito
repellants that contain the active ingredient DEET. Read and follow
all label directions before applying DEET.
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Boat Ramp Access
By Bridgett Tolley
Just about any day is a great day to be on the water in Osceola
County. Residents and visitors have access to lakes big and small,
free of charge at 12 county-maintained boat ramps and nearly a
dozen other public ramps. In 2013, the Osceola County Board of
County Commissioners approved a boat ramp master plan that
will guide the retrofit of each of these boat ramps to better serve
the boating public. The renovations were designed to provide safe
access to water-based recreation;
accommodate multiple ramp users,
expand opportunities for picnicking
and wildlife viewing; minimize
impacts to natural systems; increase
functionality by improving traffic
flow, loading and staging areas;
incorporate low impact design and
enhance facilities to accommodate
fishing tournaments.
The first two boat ramps scheduled
for renovation are Granada Boat
Ramp and Lake Cypress Boat Ramp.
Granada Boat Ramp is located on
the west side of Lake Tohopekaliga
on Ridgeway Drive. Improvements
include the addition of a floating
dock and gangway; defined parking
spaces and a concrete ADA space; a
kiosk, picnic tables and landscaping;
and the addition of a small settling
pond. The pond is designed to take
the sediment in the stormwater
runoff from the adjacent canal that
contributes to the silting of the boat
basin. The ditch will be re-routed to
the pond, slowing the velocity of the
water and allowing the sediment to
settle in the pond. A weir will allow
the water to flow into the boat basin.
The pond will be landscaped with
wetland species and the entrance to
the property will be designated with
the standard brick signs that have become a signature designation
of Osceola County parks.
The Lake Cypress Boat Ramp is located on the east side of Lake
Cypress at the end of Lake Cypress Road. This ramp will also be
outfitted with a floating dock and gangway, a kiosk, a concrete
ADA space and standard entrance sign. Both the Lake Cypress
Boat Ramp and the Granada Boat Ramp are in the permitting
stage, with construction scheduled to start later this year. Once the
construction takes place, both boat ramp basins will be dredged.
Another exciting amenity at the Lake Kissimmee Boat Ramp is in
the design and permitting stage. Lake Kissimmee is the largest
lake in Osceola County and is a prime destination for wildlife
photography. The County will add an observation pier similar to the
one at Twin Oaks Conservation Area. Construction on this project
will also take place later this year. Additional improvements to
the Kissimmee Boat Ramp will take place later in the Master Plan
schedule.
For additional information about the boat ramp master plan,
please contact Bridgett Tolley, Osceola County Natural Resources
at 407-742-0200.
More Info: 407-742-0200
Weblink: http://www.osceola.org/agencies-departments/community-development/
offices/community-resources/lakes-management/boat-ramps/
Select Plants Adopted To Pond Slopes
For more information on
Stormwater and Pollution
Prevention:
Guide to Selection
and Installation of
Stormwater Pond Plants
Gail Hansen, Shangchun Hu
UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department
Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology
Moderate to gentle slope
with shrubs and trees
10 foot slope and 8 foot top of bank. 60 foot
wide lot = 148 plants
The slope and top of bank is planted with large
and medium shrubs to provide a transition from
the pond edge to a wooded area. Use aquatic
plants of various heights for interest. Cluster in
the water for a natural look.
(Image credits: Gail Hansen)
UF IFAS Extension - Eleanor Foerste
321-697-3000
Community Educational programs, Homeowners Association
Presentations, General Information, Ecosystems, Pond Plantings,
Wildlife Issues, Woods Walks, Lawn and Landscape Care,
Integrated Pest Management, Least Toxic Chemicals, School
Programs, Lakewatch, Bird Monitoring; Florida Master Naturalist
Classes http://osceola.ifas.ufl.edu/nat_resources.shtml
Osceola County Natural Resources Rick Baird
407-742-8653
Community Educational programs, Homeowners Association
Presentations, General Information, FEMA Flood Insurance,
Flood Prevention, Report Pollution in Stormwater
Osceola County Solid Waste Call for more information
407-742-7750
Household Hazardous Waste, Oil, Tires, Paint, etc.
750 S Bass Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34741
City of Kissimmee Stormwater Engineering Alicia McDougal
407-518-2171
Debris blocking storm drains, Report Pollution in Stormwater
City of St. Cloud Public Services 407-957-7344
Engineering Debris blocking storm drains, Report Pollution in
Stormwater
City of St. Cloud Solid Waste Call for more information
Household Hazardous Waste drop-off
2705 Peghorn Way, St. Cloud, FL 34769
407-957-7289
SFWMD - Bill Graf
407-858-6100 ext 3837
(South Florida Water Management District)
Photo courtesy of Jenny Welch
Keep Our Water Clean
ACROSS
2. Chemical used to kill insects and weeds
4. Wetlands are valuable as homes for__________
6. Florida has 13 major__________
Blue-winged Teal
8. All__________of Florida can help protect the environment
11. People and wildlife can’t live without__________to drink
Anhinga
12. Where an animal lives
14. These ecosystems are important for storing water
15. If you throw food wrappers, straws, drink cans or cups on the
ground, they become__________
16. Land, air, water, animals, and__________are all part of the
environment
17. Much of Florida’s drinking water comes from this source
19. Trash that you take to the curb is buried in a sanitary__________
21. Underground formation containing water
22. The wise use, without waste, of natural resources
24. It is important to everyone to have a__________environment
25. All living things are part of an__________
26. Pollution is a__________to our environment
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9. An__________species is a plant or animal in danger of becoming extinct
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