Youth Groundwater Festival March 10 at Rock Valley

From press release

The 16th Annual Youth Groundwater Festival will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 10, at Rock Valley College’s classroom buildings I and II and the Performing Arts Room in the Educational Resources Center.

Five hundred fourth- and fifth-grade students from Cherry Valley Elementary, Christian Life, Keith Country Day School, Machesney Elementary, St. James (Rockford), St. Peter (South Beloit), Riverview Elementary and Windsor Elementary are scheduled to attend this free-of-charge festival, conducted by area professionals. The Festival will entertain as well as educate as it provides an assortment of hands-on activities related to groundwater.

Groundwater is the source of drinking water in this region. Unfortunately, because of the geology in the area, combined with industrial, agricultural, business and personal activities that negatively impact the groundwater, we are at high risk for groundwater contamination. The continued neglect of our drinking water source can result in major health and environmental problems.

The Youth Groundwater Festival is a learning fair where education is used as the key to addressing the issue of groundwater protection. The activities are directed toward fourth- and fifth-grade students who have the ability to understand the urgency and technical background of this issue. The students will leave with a greater appreciation for groundwater and its affect on their daily lives.

Supporting and coordinating agencies of this learning fair are: Rock Valley College, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Retired Senior & Volunteer Services/Lutheran Social Services, League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford, Winnebago County Health Department, Rock Valley College Foundation, City of Rockford, City of Loves Park, North Park Public Water District and the Northern Illinois Regional Groundwater Protection Planning Committee.

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