“Our Watershed, Our Responsibility”: New Videos Showcase Work of New College Researchers

(November 18, 2010) – Over the past several years, New College of Florida researchers have teamed up with the Science and Environment Council of Sarasota County to study ways to better understand and manage our local rivers, bays, and watersheds and to protect the health of our coastal environment.  Their work is now documented in a new video entitled “Our Watershed, Our Responsibility,” recently released by the Science and Environment Council.  We encourage everyone to view these wonderful videos, and then to notify your friends so they can enjoy them as well.

Short video (3 minutes):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFjwZewcJEM&feature=channel
New College of Florida Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Julie Morris, a former co-director of the College’s Environmental Studies Program, describes how trees catch and hold rainfall reducing stormwater runoff and thereby protecting bay waters.  New College student, staff and faculty researchers measured the amount of rain captured by the canopies of four tree species on campus, as described in this video.

Long video (20 minutes):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRrNvrSJ98M
At New College, we’ve learned the important role that trees play in watershed management, but new ideas and initiatives for better management of local rivers, bays, and watersheds can be found throughout Sarasota County. Take a 20-minute video tour of local places that demonstrate these good ideas for better watershed management.

For more information, contact the New College of Florida Environmental Studies Program at [email protected] or visit the Sarasota County Science and Environment Council website at http://www.secsc.org.