Troy University hosts 15th annual Groundwater Festival
Published 3:00 am Thursday, May 3, 2018
Close to 500 fourth graders from schools throughout Pike County had the opportunity to get “hands-on” experiences with activities promoting environmental awareness and water education Wednesday during the Pike County Groundwater Festival at Troy University.
The one-day festival allowed students and teachers to participate in three lab activities: “Edible Aquifer,” “Water Bracelet” and “Drop in the Bucket.” In addition, this year’s event also included a poster contest with an overall winner and winners from each participating class being selected.
Students were greeted by “Ruby Raindrop” and “Sammy Soil” when they arrived on campus and had the opportunity to visit the Saltwater Aquarium display and environmental education booths. Representatives from Alabama P.A.L.S. (People Against a Littered State) were on hand to teach the students about the effects of littering and how they can play a role in protecting the state’s waterways and environment, said Janet Gaston, senior lecturer in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, who coordinates the event for the College of Arts and Sciences.
The Pike County Groundwater Festival, now in its 15th year, is made possible by funding and in-kind services by the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority; the Alabama Department of Environmental Management; CDG Engineering; the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service; the Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper; the City of Brundidge; the City of Troy; Pike County Soil and Water Conversation; the Pike County Cooperative Extension Office; Alabama P.A.L.S.; and, Troy University.