POUGHKEEPSIE--As part of an after school enrichment program, fifth grade students from G.W. Krieger Elementary School, working with Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies educators are becoming environmental stewards. Fourteen students are involved in the effort, which was initiated by Cary Institute educators in partnership with Skip Hoover, a classroom teacher with a passion for science education. The group of students is called Hudson River Stewards Project.

On May 24, Cornelia Harris from the Cary Institute, Skip Hoover along with 14 students from the G.W. Krieger Elementary School, and Joe Kane from the City of Poughkeepsie Engineering Department placed permanent labels on the storm drains throughout the City of Poughkeepsie. The markers that read "Don't Dump, Drains to the Hudson" were positioned on the storm drains, in the hopes that the message will prevent people from using the drains as a place to dispose of oil, leaves, grass clippings, and other debris.

The project’s goal was to raise community awareness about how human activities impact water resources, and how many storm drains are not attached to water treatment facilities. In most cases, when oil, leaves, trash and other pollutants enter storm drains, they flow right into nearby streams, lakes, and groundwater—spoiling essential freshwater resources.

This project is part of the Cary Institute’s Ecosystem Literacy Initiative, which connects students and teachers with cutting-edge environmental concepts and teaching techniques.

On May 31, 2011, the group of students went to Waryas Park, where they tested water quality and looked at migrating American eels. Students have also painted rain barrels, learned about watersheds with the Casperkill Watershed Alliance, and learned how to identify water pollution issues.

For additional information contact Lia Harris at harrisc@caryinstitute.org, or (845) 677-7600 x321).

Source: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies