Students learn about water conservation at Annual Groundwater Festival

On March 9th, the Wehle Nature Center in Midway was filled with fourth-grade students from Union Springs Elementary, Conecuh Springs Christian Academy, and Macon East Academy, their teachers and volunteers for the 2023 Groundwater Festival hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System/Bullock County Cooperative Extension.

The annual festival is an interactive opportunity for students to experience hands-on activities that teach the importance of water conservation, the effect of human actions on water, the earth’s water cycle, and how to protect the world we live in.

At the beginning of the year, a T-shirt design competition was held for the best original drawing to incorporate this year’s theme, ‘Water In Use.’ The winning student, Berklee Grimes, had her artwork displayed on the front of the event’s t-shirts and received a monetary prize of $50. All attending students, teachers and volunteers received a free t-shirt with Grimes' artwork to wear to the festival.

The festival included thirty-minute sessions on aquaculture, aquifers, water wheels, and the water cycle. After completing the lessons, students were treated to an environmental magic show presented by the Fishin' Magicians. The magic show entertained and educated youth about the benefits of environmental practices while performing ‘real’ magic.

Before returning to their respective schools, youth were given a goody bag filled with a water conservation activity book, crayons, frisbee, water bottle, and conservation kits.

Each year, the Bullock County Groundwater Festival continues to increase the knowledge and awareness of youth about the importance of water preservation and environmental sustainability. With the help of the festival’s planning committee and sponsors, this event is free to attending students.

Special thanks to the wonderful fourth graders, teachers and administrators from Union Springs Elementary, Conecuh Springs Elementary Academy and Macon Academy that attended this year’s festival.

If you would like to sponsor or volunteer for next year’s event, please contact the Bullock County Extension Office at 334-738-2580.