ECWCD Employee Grows
Passion for the Environment

East County Water Control District’s (ECWCD) new office building has come to life with a landscape mural designed by employee Thomas Rost.

The mural welcomes guests as they enter the Barrett Room with a detailed depiction of Harns Marsh and some of Lehigh Acres’ spectacular wildlife.

Rost, a plant control technician with the district, is also a graduate of the Ringling School of Art and Design (1990) where he studied graphic design.

“We are in an economy where businesses are focused on doing more with less while still providing quality services,” said David E. Lindsay, ECWCD district manager. “ECWCD has helped employees share their passion and while broadening their on the job skills and contributing to the growth and enhancement of district programs.”

During his six years at the district, Rost has lent his design skills to several creative projects including assisting the district community project specialist in designing a children’s outreach program on stormwater and environmental education; designing signs at the new ECWCD Campus; structure renderings; and the design of the entrance sign to Jim Fleming Ecological Park.

Rost’s creativity brought the district’s mascot, Able Otter, to life both in concept and in the pages district’s Nurture Nature activity booklet.

“I love working outdoors and getting to see the beauty the Southwest Florida has to offer,” said Rost. “The wildlife and landscapes I get to see on a daily basis provide a strong palette of inspiration.”

In his spare time, Rost likes to paint murals and freelances in graphic design work.  Examples of his work can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomrost/.

“Tom is a talented artist and we are fortunate to have him on staff. On days where weather and scheduling may interrupt his daily field duties, we try and provide an opportunity for him to showcase his talents and help better the district,” said Lindsay.