Austin Parks and Recreation staff join “Groundwater to Gulf” summer institute for educators.

How can 41 school teachers paddling around Barton Springs Creek help preserve the Central Texas lifestyle?

 

Through these first hand experiences, educators acquire the skills to teach their students the importance of protecting our watersheds and conserving our aquifer.

Austin Parks & Recreation Department's stewardship of over 19,000 acres involves maintaining the natural ecologies, and assuring its easy access to the public. As part of this effort, one of our roles is to provide resources to educators to help pass on this legacy to future generations.

 

On this occasion Austin Nature & Science Center staff was part of a collaboration with over a dozen agencies and organizations providing a comprehensive learning experience to educators.

 

The Groundwater to the Gulf Program

This 3-day, field-trip based institute for Texas educators emphasized techniques for teaching water-based curricula to 9 to 14 year olds.  Participants followed the path of water in Central Texas from aquifer recharge to its final destination in the Gulf of Mexico. Covered topics included hydrology, groundwater, urban watersheds, water quality, native vegetation, water protection, and water conservation.

 

Teachers while at Eliza Spring (in Zilker Park near Barton Springs Pool) studied the endangered Barton Springs salamander in their natural environment.

The Barton Springs Salamander makes an appearance.

A young lady dressed as a salamander with Margaret (one of our AN&SC team member) showing innovative ways for teaching the younger students a love of nature.

Our group preparing to board canoes in Barton Springs Creek.

Searching for native plants and animals.

A short video of our guides showing us the native fauna.

Laminated Sheets showing objects for study.

Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) team members demonstrate how they measure water's flow.

Robin from BSEACD showing how the aquifer's flow measurements tie into conservation efforts.

A short video of Robin from BSEACD discussing how the aquifer flow's measurements tie into conservation efforts.

Zilker Hillside Theater Host Austin Civic Orchestra

June 8th, 2012 The Zilker Hillside Theater Hosted Austin Civic Orchestra

Another great Juneteenth celebration at the CARVER 2012

Another great Juneteenth celebration at the CARVER, 2012

Once again the Carver staff pulled off a great Juneteenth Celebration. It really felt more then ever like attending  a traditional neighborhood party. 

Everyone felt a certain comfort level, even among strangers. It's often feels that way when people gather for a common cause. 

At it's core, among its many its missions, The Carver's purposes to frostier a sense of community. That's not easily achieved at a time when the community it was created to serve has moved on.

Through it's annual Juneteenth celebrations the Carver can play host again to its extended family.

Visitors of all ages enjoyed music, games, cultural activities and  historic recreations. Games included sack races, ball toss tug of war and hula hoops. The younger kids attended puppet shows and other entertaining activities. Older kids competed in the the more competitive activities.  All participants received tickets for each game and redeemed them for fun prizes. Everybody wins! 

Locally made arts & crafts were proudly on view. Together with great vendors, who happily participated, the Carver staff created a one day "Village Bazaar". 

Some booths sold afro-centric arts and crafts, while others offered more recent African American fashion statements. Of course, we had our especially designed 2012 tee-shirt available. Volunteers handed out free magical blue drinking cups, that changed color to purple with cold lemonade inside. To better cool off on a sunny Austin afternoon, what's better then free watermelon available for everyone.

For this year's history recreation, our official "Buffalo Soldier", Rouzan Barton, spoke to all comers about the life and skills of these rugged frontiersmen. 

The George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center prides itself on being one of Nation's foremost advocate for recognizing and celebrating this important event. The museum's permanent exhibit has been instrumental in promoting this once Texas festivity into a nationally celebrated event marking the great emancipation,