Students Can Earn Schuylkill Drinking Water Scholastic Awards

Children in five counties can now earn awards and prizes for projects benefiting the Schuylkill River.  Classes and youth groups can earn Drinking Water Scholastic Awards this May.

            All they have to do is carry out an in-class lesson or outdoor project that improves the Schuylkill River, a source of drinking water for approximately 1.5 million people.
            Examples of projects include building a rain garden, planting trees near a creek or stream, and testing for polluted water.  Those in kindergarten through college are eligible for a prize, but only if they enter by March 2 in one of four age categories.
            “For many students, this contest is the first time they will learn how to keep water pure,” said Tom Davidock, coordinator of the Schuylkill Action Network.  “This is critical, because prevention is the easiest and cheapest way to ensure clean drinking water is available to all Pennsylvanians.”
            The contest, now in its eighth year, is open to students and youth groups in Berks, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Schuylkill counties.  Additional guidelines are available online or by calling 800-445-4935, extension 109.
            The Schuylkill Action Network is a coalition of more than 100 member-organizations.  It was formed in 2003 to clean up and protect Pennsylvania’s Schuylkill River, as well as its tributaries.  
            Members include conservation districts; local, state, and federal agencies; watershed organizations and individuals.  Examples include the Delaware River Basin Commission, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia Water Department, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, just to name a few.  Anyone is welcome to join, and membership is free.

12/12/2011

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