Watershed Citizenship and Watershed Ecology students will receive the 2012 Schuylkill Scholastic Drinking Water Award for their work with the Valley Creek Restoration Partnership. The award will recognize a group of 35 students and professors during a ceremony at the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association located in Ambler, Pa., on Wednesday, May 9.
According to the Schuylkill Action Network, the award recognizes schools, colleges and universities that protect drinking water sources through educational programs, class projects or land management practices. Cabrini won for the university category.
“Students in both courses, Watershed Citizenship and Watershed Ecology are focused on working with community partners, specifically the Valley Creek Restoration Partnership, in protecting the Valley Creek Watershed,” Dr. David Dunbar, associate professor of biology, said.
Students in the Watershed Citizenship and Watershed Ecology courses worked along side the Stroud Water Research Center in order to have a better understanding of the water quality of Crabby Creek, a creek within the Treddyfrin Township.
Students began taking water samples and making bi-weekly trips to Crabby Creek. Water samples were then tested to help better understand the water quality. Students presented their findings in an end-of-the-year symposium.
Members of the Valley Creek Restoration were present. Students also made recommendations to the Valley Creek Restoration Partnership members on different ways to utilize the restoration resources.
“The best part of the project was the fun and ease in collecting and interpreting the data. We had such a good time getting outside to collect samples, and the lab work was easy,” Donna Wodarski, junior biology major and environmental studies minor, said.
