The Getting Ahead of Our Watershed Expo presented by students of Davenport's North High School in partnership with the City's Public Works Department was a great success. A few hundred attendees learned about their personal impact on the health of our local and regional waterways and things everyone can do to protect water quality.
Interactive demonstrations on land use, flood plains and the value of wetlands were informative and thought provoking, one student stating "Levee's don't solve the problem they just move water downstream, where marshes help to absorb water, prevent flooding and provide habitat for animals".
With a goal of one day improving the grade of the Mississippi River and reducing the area of the Dead Zone near the Gulf of Mexico, other booths discussed simple things everyone can do to conserve and protect our water resources, by picking up litter, using less fertilizer on your lawn, shortening your shower, or making sure you do a full load of laundry or dishes.
While some booths focused on water quality, one booth focused on the purpose, economic, recreational, and other values of the Lock and Dam system on the Mississippi River. The booth was supported by partners from the Corps of Engineers, who helped attendees understand the mechanics of the system through interactive models of the system.
Best management practices, such as installing permeable paving, rain gardens and native plants, and removal of invasive species along our waterways, were also discussed. One booth demonstrated how permeable paving works was a great introduction to many unfamiliar with the practice.
Rounding out the day, were thoughtful presentations on how we enjoy our water resources through art and recreation. From kayaking to the art on display, perhaps one booth captured it best "Our Future Depends on Our Community", which aimed to inform the community about all of the individual and family friendly activities and events that happen along our riverfront. Stating, "the more engaged individuals are with our waterways, the more likely they are to take care of them."
Last but not least, students from term one of Ms. McCreery's dual credit environmental education class at North, demonstrated their commitment and passion for protecting our water resources by continuing to fundraise to complete a Watershed Project identified in the fall, which would install a rain garden at Nahant Marsh. Students received a donation of t-shirts and bracelets to sell in order to raise funds; t-shirts are $12 and bracelets are $3. E-mail [email protected] if interested in purchasing.