Programs

Youth Education Programs

	Michelle Brook explains the basics of nonpoint pollution

The work of the Pequannock River Coalition has been carefully geared toward "preserving the future." We realize that our children will reap the benefits of our accomplishments and may also pay the price of our failures. In turn, they will someday be stewards themselves, carrying the torch of Pequannock preservation.

With this in mind, it is essential to acquaint this next generation with the rich and sensitive web of life our waterways support and with how this life can be protected or harmed by choices we make every day.

Ideally, children would be brought into the field for a first-hand experience with our rivers and streams. But time for such field trips is scarce and other liability concerns can be real hurdles. So, rather than bring our children to the river we are bringing the river to them.

Based on similar successful programs, our "River in the Classroom" curriculum brings representative aquatic systems, including fish, aquatic insects and other river life, directly into our schools. Set-up of aquariums, accompanied by text and lectures, provides an informative and lively introduction. These aquariums remain in place for 1-2 weeks offering a daily opportunity for learning and exploration. After a second lecture session, the aquariums are collected and their contents returned to the river.

	Children sort aquatic insects from river sample

In 2006, with support funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, another feature was added called “Watershed Detectives.” The students are asked to locate sites in their area that might benefit from restoration work. Later these same students form the work force to complete the restoration. Recently they turned out for restoration projects in Bloomingdale and Riverdale.

To-date this program has been hosted in six of our watershed towns, reaching thousands of students. The response from both students and teachers has been extremely positive. But in many other towns it remains just another "good idea." Additional financial support is needed. Can you help? Donations are welcome. Please join us in preserving the future!