The2008 Ohio River Watershed Celebrationwas an overwhelming success this year with over 950 participants, and for the first time, not one but two Pittsburgh Gateway Clipper boats. But it would not have been a success without the dozens of groups actively involved in the education program and providing displays.

70 groups participated in the display competition that was part of the 2008 Ohio River Watershed Celebration this year(see a list of the winners)and 18 different groups offered educational programs or displays on the first Imagination Cruise boat geared toward students.

Here are just a few of the participants describing their role in the Celebration or giving an update on their activities in special Video Blog stories:

Will Taylor,Jennings Environmental Education Center, provided an overview of the activities and groups making the Imagination Cruise a special day for over 300 students and 150 accompanying adults;

Alex Petridis,The Awesome Spirit of Wildlife, describes the reptile rescue, education and other activities of the group;

Gary Stokum,Washington County Watershed Alliance, describes the services offered to watershed groups by the Alliance and some of the projects they have been involved with;

Luke Elser,Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team, provides a summary of the cleanup, monitoring and watershed restoration activities undertaken by the Team and their partners;

Kathleen Porter,Water Resources Education Network, invites watershed groups to apply for a 2009 WREN water education grant and to take advantage of the other resources offered by the Network;

Drew Banas, Executive Director, andSusan Huba, Program Manager, at theLoyalhanna Watershed Association, give an update on their major projects and activities;

Diane Salvaggio,Turtle Creek Watershed Association, demonstrates a watershed model that lets students and adults easily understand were watershed pollution comes from and how to prevent it; and

Andy McAllister,Western Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation, describes the role and programs offered to watershed groups and county conservation districts through the Coalition.

Watch these Video Blog stories:Welcome to the Celebration!

Environmental Awards

10/3/2008