Activities, rain barrels, pizza and ice cream are part of the day.
MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education, and the Hillsdale Area Water Cooperative are teaming up to offer a water education workshop for families on May 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Gardner City Lake. Families with children of all ages are invited to enjoy a day of learning about and celebrating water.
The free event, at 30100 W. 151st St. in Gardner, includes fun and educational activities, a pizza lunch, an ice cream social, and a rain barrel for each family.
“Parents and guardians will take home a free rain barrel and an in-depth understanding of how communities and families can work together to ensure a clean and safe water supply, and kids will have so much fun, they won’t even know they are learning,” said Melissa Arthur, education programs and outreach director for KACEE.
The objective is to bring community residents on board as partners in protecting and improving water quality in Hillsdale Lake, Gardner City Lake, and the streams that drain into them. As land use changes and populations grow, the runoff of sediment, nutrients and other pollutants from pavement, lawns, and farms can negatively impact water quality. This event will showcase things families can do, such as installing rain barrels and rain gardens. Representatives from a variety of agencies and organizations will be featured in a resource fair, highlighting programs, tools, and information about stormwater and wastewater management, urban and agricultural best management practices, and tips for homeowners on lawn and garden care and water conservation.
“This event supports ongoing efforts to proactively address water quality issues in the Hillsdale Lake watershed, and compliments existing programs offered by Johnson and Miami counties and the Mid-America Regional Council,” said Robert Wilson, watershed planner with K-State and coordinator of the Hillsdale Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy project.
The event is open to the public, but pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, go to Workshop Schedule and Registration Information.
