The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites elementary through high school teachers, as well as community groups, to register for a free 30-45 minute traveling watershed and environmental science presentation that is educational and fun.
“Everyone lives in a watershed. Every stream, brook, tributary, and river in our communities connects to a watershed that provides us with our drinking water supply, recreational opportunities, and provides habitat to numerous plants and animals,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “This free program offers teachers, students, and community members the opportunity to learn how human behavior can affect water quality, especially in one of the most densely populated counties in the state.”
These interactive, “hands-on” presentations, which include the use of a three dimensional land use model, demonstrate how pollution anywhere within the watershed has the potential to affect all waterbodies located downstream. Additionally, the program offers easy, practical solutions that anyone can implement to reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality – such as eliminating or minimizing the use of pesticides on lawns, picking up pet waste, and not feeding geese.
Now in its 15th year, the Watershed Ambassadors Program receives positive reviews and accolades from teachers and students each year expressing appreciation that the program offers a full period of interesting and engaging material with opportunities for students to participate and interact with the watershed model.
The free presentations are offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program.
Additionally, the ambassador program offers stream assessment training for individuals and groups. To schedule a free presentation or training, call Ismail Sukkar, Watershed Ambassador for Watershed Management Area 7 at (908) 789-3209.