Isabel did all it could to spoil September’s plans in the Chesapeake Bay region, but five schools and more than 600 kids kept on with their special agenda. Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff along with their contacts in the Prince Georges County school system provided a fun filled day of outdoor activities as part of the nationwide event, ”Project WET” (Water Educations for Teachers). 

     Those familiar with the “down county” back roads of Southern Maryland’s Western shore of the Patuxent River have passed by the “William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center”, where the September 26 event was held. The “spin” on this location just South of the bustling and busy Brandywine area quickly transitions into timber and farm landscape, with numerous side roads leading East and to the Patuxent River. With urban and suburban sprawl beginning less than a half hour ride away, the William S. Schmidt Center is a wise place to bring home to young citizens of the environment, the importance of understanding our watershed impacts. As information recently shared with us by the Maryland DNR states,”No matter where you are, you are in a watershed, a land area from which water drains into a receiving body of water.” Youth who attended the Project WET event in September enjoyed activities which included learning about fish passage, aquatic invasive species, wetlands and the physical and chemical properties of water. Particular mention was made about how existing wetlands helped prevent erosion during “tropical Storm Isabel.

     Water education is the key goal to those involved with Project WET says Kim Jeffrey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Waters North America. In a recent Maryland DNR press release Jeffrey is quoted as saying, “We encourage stewardship of our nation’s water resources and protecting them is important for future generations. This water education day provides programs and tools to get youngsters excited about conserving water and treating it with care all their lives.” The fourth annual Make a Splash with Project WET festival which took place in Maryland’s P.G. County is in keeping with the goals of the overall program. Events are designed to be hands-on experiences which bring together parents, students, teachers and government officials and those with an interest in maintaining or improving the environment at all levels. Raising awareness within young minds on the importance of safekeeping local watersheds and how their health and ours can be one in the same, are important goals to achieve. Water education can be interactive and fun which is one of the best outcomes of Project WET events.

     In 1984, Project WET developed into an, “...international water science and education program dedicated to teaching children around the world about water stewardship and conservation.” Project WET’s founder and executive director, Dennis Nelson has this to say in what the program is all about. ”The quality of water in ground water and springs is often a reflection of the health of a watershed. A healthy watershed is no accident. Our festivals encourage teachers and children to be good watershed neighbors.” Their effort’s provide curriculums and information covering water education and related teaching materials. Project WET has grown into a network of coordinators located in all Continental U.S. States, Canada, Mexico and the Philippines. Home base for Project WET is at Montana State University, of which they are affiliated with. For information about the Make a Splash Program and Project WET, visit their website at; www.projectwetusa.org 

© 2003 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved

Photo Credits

Travis Scala enjoyed being on the water fishing with his family this summer. Include the youngsters in some fall outdoor time. Photo by Steve Scala

Kids looking at submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), learning about their importance, and how we can encourage their growth. Photo by Joann Wheeler