Water Education Programs Return with a Big Splash

PRWC made a big splash with in-person education programs resuming this year! More than 200 people participated in a variety of programs that were offered for both adult, youth, and mixed audiences. In March, PRWC helped CT DEEP train 40 middle and high school teachers from Waterbury Public Schools in Project WET curriculum. This summer, campers at Flanders Nature Center’s Wetlands Discovery Science Academy learned “What is a Watershed?” using the Enviroscape model. At Audubon Center at Bent of the River’s summer camp, PRWC presented a day in the life of a river scientist during “Wild Jobs Week.” Campers helped PRWC collect and identify macroinvertebrates and also took water temperature and conductivity readings to better understand water quality. This fall, Woodbury Public Library hosted PRWC for a story time and “Build your own River Aquarium” activity.

Adult and family programs this year included “Benefits of Riparian Buffers” lecture at Southbury Public Library, the Geology Tour at O&G Quarry, Rain Barrel Workshops, World Water Day Agricultural Webinar, and the Annual Macroinvertebrate Survey Training and volunteer survey days. The River Ramblers guided hike series led participants to Janie Pierce Park, Three Rivers Park and concluded with the Dr. Marc Taylor Memorial Walk at Platt Farm Preserve. In May, watershed residents also enjoyed a second year of the Pomperaug Watershed Treasure Hunt which led folks to new, interesting, and historic places around the watershed. PRWC also exhibited and shared resources at a variety of community events throughout the year. We look forward to offering even more programs in the year ahead. See calendar inside for a preview of what’s planned!