A PICTURE OF SPRING PROTECTION-POSTERS IN EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Florida’s springs are a treasured part of the state’s environmental heritage. The state’s population growth (estimated at 4000 to 6000 new permanent residents per week) and overwhelming use of ground water (about 93% of the population depends on it) are coupled with the innate vulnerability of its hydrogeologic setting. In support of an innovative spring protection campaign initiated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Geological Survey (FGS) has published two posters that illustrate different aspects of spring protection and groundwater resources in a karst environment.

The FGS uses illustration as a visual bridge between hydrogeology and various human activities that impact water resources in Florida’s karst terrain. Florida is characterized by low topographic relief so that even common features such as layered rocks and fractures are rarely observed by lay people. Sinkholes often contain slump material obscuring their relationship to underlying limestone. The FGS uses poster illustrations as an aid in conceptualizing subsurface rock layers and the groundwater resources they contain. The surficial expression of a spring is shown both in its hydrogeologic (cross-section view) and environmental context (plan view). This juxtaposition of hydrogeologic and environmental/cultural information provides Floridians of all ages with an understanding of ways in which their actions impact springs.

Posters are an important part of the education and outreach effort at the FGS. They are used successfully as part of presentations to groups of all ages and are easily used in unconventional venues. A short text with references allows stand-alone use in class rooms, state parks and municipal and state offices. Digital versions of the illustrations are regularly incorporated into talks allowing the presenter maximum flexibility in commentary. Visually appealing posters that convey clear, positive, and accessible information are a cost-effective means of reaching diverse audiences.