The Oka’ Institute, at East Central University, will celebrate Water Week 2018 by hosting the 15th Annual Ada Water Fest Thursday, April 19, from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on the ECU Centennial Plaza.
The purpose of this event is to teach elementary school students about the importance of water to individuals and to our community. Every school in Pontotoc County has been invited as more than 500 fifth graders are expected to be in attendance. Students will participate in both visual demonstrations and hands-on activities, along with exploring 16 water-related topics at different stations.
Participating organizations (and their stations) include: Blue Thumb (Watersheds, Runoff and Nonpoint Source Pollution), The Chickasaw Nation (Environmental Impact from Point Source Contamination), The City of Ada (City of Ada’s Water Source, Use, and Disposal), Natural Resources Conservation Service (Healthy Soil and Clean Water), Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service-Pontotoc County (4H2O The Beverage of Life and Stream Bank Erosion), Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (The Incredible Journey), Oklahoma Water Resources Board (Water Under Our Feet-The Importance of Groundwater).
Also participating are the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center (Aquifer in a Jar/Geology, Surface Water Ecosystem and Crawly Critters, Geoprobe Rig, Field Instrumentation for Surface and Groundwater Investigations and Water Tasting), U.S. Geological Survey (Streams/Stream Flow), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with South Central Climate Science Center (Rain and Drought: How to Measure Rain and Drought Race) and The Nature Conservancy (Water Conservation).
Questions about Water Week 2018 can be directed to The Oka’ Institute, 580-559-5151 or www.ecok.ecu/oka-institute.
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