ISWS Reignites Outreach Activities in Illinois
The Illinois State Water Survey’s Groundwater Section has begun taking a more active role in outreach to help the residents and youth in Illinois learn more about groundwater and private wells. The ISWS has been working with Illinois citizens and important stakeholders for more than a century to raise awareness about protecting Illinois’ water resources.
Clean Water Celebration
Recently, the staff in the ISWS Groundwater Section participated in events in Peoria and Springfield. In April, Ken Hlinka, Katie Buckley, and Hideyuki Terashima attended the 26th SUN Foundation Clean Water Celebration in Peoria, IL. The event had 337 volunteers from 39 groups, organizations, and agencies, who were there to represent various water quality, resource, and stewardship issues. 2,043 students and 153 adults from 37 different schools attended the event. ISWS staff described the water cycle, demonstrated how groundwater moves under the ground using two different sand tank models, and demonstrated a hand pump for the middle schoolers in attendance.
Earth Stewardship Day
In May, Ken Hlinka and Katie Buckley shared their knowledge during Earth Stewardship Day at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency organized the event for 774 fourth grade students from 32 classes representing 10 different schools. There were 29 presentations by various agencies and organizations from all over the state. ISWS staff developed a 20-25 minute presentation, “Get the Groundwater Picture,” that covered the water cycle, rock types and geology, how a private well works, and contamination. The presentation also included an interactive game that helped demonstrate how groundwater moves through various substances. The presentation was given every 30 minutes throughout the day from 9:00AM to 2:00PM.
Upcoming Activities
The ISWS will be at Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair in the Private Lands tent this coming August. Please come see us. We will be demonstrating how contamination moves through groundwater and into private wells, how well pumps work, and providing free information and materials on testing and maintenance of private wells.
Events like these provide a unique opportunity to share information in an engaging and memorable way. “We hope to get more involved in these important activities in the future,” says Steve Wilson, head of the Data Management and Outreach Services group. Sharing the ISWS’s knowledge of private well, groundwater, and other water issues with citizens of the state can leave a lasting impression that improves everyone’s understanding of the role we all play in protecting our water resources. As the ISWS’s outreach program continues to expand, we hope you will contact us to provide speakers or demonstrations at your next event.