Petrey Community Center Porch Update and Repair
The Petrey Community Center porch columns were deteriorating and needed to be replaced. These columns had not been replaced since the Town of Petrey purchased the building in the early 1950s.
A grant from Wiregrass RC&D helped the facility keep the community space safe and attractive.
Ballistic Vests for Reserve Deputies
With the help of Wiregrass RC&D, the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department was able to purchase much needed ballistic vests and body cameras for their Reserve Deputies.
Dale County Education Projects
The Dale County Soil and Water Conservation District’s mission is to provide service, leadership, and assistance to all citizens for the wise use, conservation, and development of our natural resources. The district assists Dale County’s landowners and agricultural producers with technical and cost share assistance. The district also conducts environmental education outreach with school-aged children as the main target age.
The District received $3,000.00 in education grant funds for its 2022 education projects. The District used this grant to fund the 2022 Stewardship Poster Contest, Educational Coloring Contest, and the 2022 Groundwater Festival. Conservation and environmental education activities were presented to elementary students to raise conservation awareness. Funds were used to buy materials and to provide cash awards Groundwater Fest Logo Contest. Approximately 450 Dale County fourth and fifth grade students attended the annual event.
Other miscellaneous activities included the National Association of Conservation District’s Annual Stewardship Poster Contest with 296 students participating, 470 students in the educational coloring contest, and 300 students in Groundwater Festival logo contest. A total of approximately 1066 students were reached through these activities.
With a grant from Wiregrass RC&D, the Clio Community was able to initiate Phase 2 of their walking trail project, which included adding 1,100 feet of paved walkway, five park benches, and seven waste baskets.
This project provides a walking trail to the community for exercise, leisure, and overall well-being.
Ozark Amphitheater Improvements
The City of Ozark received a grant from Wiregrass RC&D to upgrade their amphitheater space with more storage, new bathrooms, and an improved sound system.
Since its construction, the Ozark Amphitheater has become the epicenter for a variety of events in downtown Ozark. Frequently, area schools showcase their music programs at the venue, and many fairs and markets take place on the amphitheater grounds. The Ozark Amphitheater also hosts many club and nonprofit events that benefit the Ozark-Dale community.
Geneva Groundwater Festival 2022
All Geneva County and City students in 4th Grade went to Troy University Dothan where they learned all about groundwater and conservation through classes on filtration, aquafers, the water cycle, and more. Students also competed in a poster contest, and the winner was presented a cash prize. All students received a t-shirt.
Cool Down Lowery Community Center
Funds from Wiregrass RC&D helped purchase a new air conditioner for the Lowery Community Center.
The Elba Volunteer Fire Department was able to acquire Water Rescue Equipment, including two vessels and a trailer. This equipment fills an operational gap in equipment to properly respond to water-related emergencies.
Coffee County Forestry & Wildlife Field Days
This program is a hands-on forestry and wildlife learning activity for fifth graders. Students are rotated through 5 forestry and wildlife activities which includes learning about a live owl, gopher tortoise, and amphibians. Forestry activities include tree planting and general forestry management practices.
Pleasant Home School Baseball Field Irrigation System
The baseball field in Covington County was improved with a new irrigation system, brick dust, sod, and leveling..