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.