Title:

G00-NPS-16 Watershed Camp for Youth

Sponsor:

Buchanan County Ext of Univ. of MO

Project Manager:

Beverly Maltsberger
P.O. Box 7077
St. Joseph, MO 64507-7077
maltsbergeb@missouri.edu

Project Period:

3/15/2000 - 9/30/2000

319 Grant Funds:

$5,000

Project Description:

Watershed Camp for Youth

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The students will learn to identify the watershed for the lake at Crowder State Park. They will also broaden their knowledge of how nonpoint source pollutants enter the lake and groundwater, then focus on preventative measures that could abate the nonpoint source pollutants from entering these water bodies. The campers will correlate the effects of nonpoint source pollution on the algae and leeches in the lake. The students will access the Internet maps of the watershed where they live. The curriculum allows students to develop the skills to help identify a watershed, nonpoint source pollutants and preventative measures for these pollutants. The importance of healthy Missouri water habitats and the effects of nonpoint source water pollution will provide the basis for much of the curriculum. Nonpoint source water pollution typically comes from areas such as leaking septic systems, urban development and agricultural runoff.

OBJECTIVES

One hundred youth will learn in a residential camp setting to identify the watershed of the lake at Crowder State Park. Campers will learn how to access over the Internet maps of watershed where they live. Campers will learn the meaning of the term non-point source pollution though hands on activities. Participants will understand the possible reason algae and leeches have flourished in the lake, making it unpleasant for swimming. Participants will learn how surface and ground water may become contaminated by NPS pollution through experimental exercises and by using computer software. Campers will learn potential prevention measures that could abate NPS pollution, thus providing campers with an even better understanding of NPS pollution.

PRODUCTS

Campers will successfully locate watershed maps on the Internet, print a color copy of their home watershed and take it home. Campers able to define the terms: watershed, non-point source pollution, and indicator species. Fifty percent of campers will share information learned with local 4-H clubs. Participants will be able to identify 3 ways surface and ground water might become contaminated by NPS pollution.

PROJECT SPONSOR

Buchanan County Extension Center

COOPERATORS

Missouri DNR, Region D Solid Waste District, Missouri Department of Conservation, University Outreach and Extension

CONTACT

Buchanan County Extension Center
4125 Mitchell Avenue
PO Box 7077
St. Joseph, MO 64507
Joan Hickman 816-279-1691