Children build rain garden for Earth Day
With summer just around the corner, hot weather brings lawn and garden watering as a pastime. West Virginia State University Extension Service (WVSUES) is reminding individuals and teaching youth about water conservation. WVSUES and the Partnership of African American Churches (PAAC) are working together to teach youth how to become more conscious of our water resources. They believe a person is never too young to conserve water or to appreciate Earth’s resources.
WVSUES, in conjunction with PAAC at their after school learning center in Institute, conducted a Water Quality and Conservation Day Camp the end of April. This program was made possible by an Outdoor Classroom Grant from the Capitol Conservation District of Kanawha County.
The mini-camp included four afternoons of interactive instruction to the PAAC youth on water quality and conservation. Kids then were able to put their knowledge to work by interacting with WVSUES staff on water quality, conservation, and recycling activities. The PAAC youth enjoyed soil preparation, planting, watering, gardening, as well as constructing a rain garden on the WVSU campus in Institute. Over 40 children took part in the activities and learned about water quality and conservation methods.
In honor of Earth Day 2009; WVSU and PAAC staff, invited guests, along with the kids, dedicated the newly installed rain garden on the campus of WVSU. The event showed the collaboration between WVSUES and PAAC on sharing environmentally friendly and conservation water practices with area youth. WVSUES hopes that by teaching water conservation practices early in children, they will grow up to be environmentally conscious adults that care for our planet. For more information on how your youth or community group can become involved contact Melissa Stewart at 304.532.1670.
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