SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a grant agreement between Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc. and the City of Clearwater for new native plantings at the Moccasin Lake Nature Park Pollinator Garden in the amount of $923.00 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The City Of Clearwater (City) has been awarded a grant from the Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc. (FWF) in the amount of $923.00 for replenishment of the Pollinator Garden with native plants located in Moccasin Lake Nature Park at 2750 Park Trail Lane.
This agreement is being brought to Council for approval because it includes an indemnification clause.
FWF is an environmental organization dedicated to the protection, connection, and expansion of Florida’s wildflower habitats through education, research, planting, and conservation. FWF recognizes wildflowers as essential to Florida’s ecological health, economy, and natural beauty.
The goal of FWF’s Viva Florida program is to educate the public about the role of native plants in supporting native pollinators and providing wildlife habitat. The gardens selected for funding will serve as demonstrations of how native wildflowers and plants can be used in home and public landscapes.
The Pollinator Garden at Moccasin Lake Nature Park is an important resource for hands-on learning and community building through volunteer workdays. It also provides live specimens of the native species that are regularly discussed at Florida Native Plant Society meetings, which are held at the park. The garden helps to educate the community on the importance of native ecosystems and the benefits of supporting native pollinators.
The total grant award is $923.00. Matching is required and will be met by using a combination of in-kind support from volunteers and staff as well as $354.00 for equipment and supplies to come from the Parks & Recreation Department operating budget.
Appropriate recognition of this grant will be provided by a sign installed at the garden.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for the cash match of $354.00 is available in Parks and Recreation - Moccasin Lake cost code 0101808-550400 (operating supplies), funded by revenues from the General Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of this Agreement supports several Strategic Plan Objectives, including:
• 1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts;
• 1.3: Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
• 1.5: Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement and successfully serves all our customers.
• 3.1: Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.
• 3.2: Preserve community livability through responsible development standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
• 3.4: Inspire citizen participation through civic engagement and volunteerism to build strong, inclusive, and engaged communities.
• 4.3: Protect the conservation of urban forests and public green spaces to promote biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint.
