The third annual World Water Day event at Stroud Water Research Center, sponsored by M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust, drew a crowd of about 150 people to celebrate and explore freshwater on March 22.

This free, local event held each year on the banks of the Stroud Center's long-term research stream, White Clay Creek, celebrates a global United Nations observance day to raise awareness of water issues.

The 2024 theme, Water for Peace, inspired attendees to work together to protect the water they share with 15 million people in the Delaware River Watershed.

Stroud Center Executive Director, President, and Research Scientist Dave Arscott, Ph.D., said, "Stroud Water Research Center has been focused on the science of rivers and streams since its founding in 1967 because we know that through research, we can better understand these complex systems and how to protect them. World Water Day is a great way to engage our local community in the science that supports clean fresh water, and we are delighted to offer this free event every year as an invitation for people to come together in celebration and discover some things they can do to care for the water in their lives."

LaKendra McNair, Senior VP and Head of Community Climate Resiliency with M&T Bank, the event’s sponsor, said, “It is a privilege to partner with the Stroud Center in this annual effort to emphasize the importance of sustainable water management and community involvement. M&T’s role in World Water Day reflects our commitment to environmental conservation and our belief in the power of collective action.”

Arscott added, “We are grateful to M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust for their great long-term support of the Stroud Center and its mission to advance knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration. We also commend M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust for their commitment to sustainability.”

Freshwater scientists and educators from the Stroud Center, as well as sustainability-focused volunteers from M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust led a variety of family-friendly and water-focused activities including:

Visits to the Watershed Education Mobile Lab and stream touch tank to discover live aquatic insects.

Casting demonstrations, live fish discovery, and tree plantings for healthy streams and rivers.

A tour of the Stroud Center’s freshwater science labs and LEED Platinum building designed to showcase water-friendly practices.

Gardening tips and free trees to take home and plant for cleaner, healthier streams and rivers.

Food for purchase from On The Roll Food Truck.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water Research Center website, Click Here to subscribe to UpStream.  Click Here to subscribe to Stroud’s Educator newsletter.  Click Here to become a Friend Of Stroud Research,  Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and visit their YouTube Channel.

The Chester County-based Stroud Center seeks to advance knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration.

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[Posted: March 25, 2024]

4/1/2024