Collier County Extension
Newsletters

Southwest Florida Latino
Environmental Education Network

Southwest Florida is a desirable place to live. Much of its allure comes from the surrounding natural areas, sunny climate and coastal scenery. However, our environment faces increasing pressure from land use changes related to population growth, stormwater runoff, declining water quality and conflicting use issues. With these pressures come challenges, and with these challenges come opportunities. As these pressures continue to increase the need for responsible actions by all individuals will be necessary to protect and conserve our natural environment.

We recognize that Hispanic citizens represent a growing percentage of the population in Southwest Florida, and they have not been reached by traditional outreach and education programs. There are several factors that may have prevented these audiences from being reached including; language barriers, lack of knowledge about program opportunities, and educators not knowing how to effectively target these groups.

The goal of the Southwest Florida Latino Environmental Education Network is to collaborate with Latino businesses and organizations, media members and citizens to expand the education and outreach programs being delivered to Latino populations regarding sustainable living along Florida’s coast.

The Network is comprised of individuals representing the University of Florida Extension Service in Lee and Collier Counties and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Because network members have expertise in a number of fields, the group will address a wide range of sustainable living issues including landscape and lawn care practices, energy use, recreational fishing as well as general knowledge about our local environment.

Enjoy our bi-lingual SWFLEEN newsletters.