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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2015
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Beverly M. Payton, Communications Director
The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators gives Stroud Water Research Center the Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award
AVONDALE, Pa. – The education department at Stroud Water Research Center recently received the Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators for its Leaf Pack Experiment Stream Ecology Kit and Stream Schools programs.
The Leaf Pack Experimental Stream Ecology Kit is based on the scientific research technique of using the different kinds and numbers of aquatic insects living on packs of leaves in the water to assess and monitor the health of streams and rivers. Stroud Center subsequently created the Leaf Pack Network®, which enables students and citizen scientists to post and compare data generated by leaf pack experiments performed in their local streams on the Web.
Stroud Center’s Stream School programs are unique for their hands-on, boots-in-the-water approach which gives visiting students an in-depth, real-world science experience.
Stroud Center is one of the few laboratories in the world devoted exclusively to research and education on stream and river ecology. Its education program was conceived in 1990 through the interest of a nearby school to have students learn more about local streams and rivers. The ensuing education and outreach effort created a wide variety of freshwater ecology programs for students, teachers, public officials, environmental professionals, watershed groups and the general public. During the past 25 years Stroud Center educators have translated the Center’s scientific findings to the world, engaging more than 52,000 students and adults in freshwater ecology and stewardship.
“This award recognizes an exemplary environmental education program that could be used as a model for educators across the state,” said Taiji Nelson, director of public relations for the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, who conferred the award to Libby Gregg, Stroud Center education programs assistant, during the organization’s annual conference, March 14, in Entriken, Pennsylvania.
He added: “We believe your program deserves recognition for its use of innovative educational practices and technology to enhance hands-on engagement. Your commitment to increasing the reach of your programs to a wide audience is inspirational to other environmental educators.”
“I’m proud to have our education department honored by this award,” said Susan Gill, Ph.D., Stroud Center’s education director.
“Our goal is to not only excite students and adults about streams and rivers but to teach them how to be responsible stewards of freshwater resources.”
Stroud Center has launched multiple public service programs aimed at helping people—from local landowners to national and international organizations—implement best stewardship practices for streams, rivers and watersheds.
“I’m very pleased that our education department was recognized for its excellence,” said Bernard Sweeney, Ph.D., Stroud Center’s executive director. “Our resources and programs empower citizens across the globe to protect their watersheds.”
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About Stroud Water Research Center
Stroud Water Research Center advances knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration and to help businesses, landowners, policymakers, and individuals make informed decisions that affect water quality and availability around the world. Stroud Water Research Center is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
About The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators
The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educatorsunites, supports, and empowers the community of environmental educators throughout Pennsylvania.
