ECI Binder

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EAA Exhibit Themes

EAA Key Message - Supportive Subjects

Exhibit Ideas/Visitor Experiences

Explain the story of water using examples from our regional underground water source to illustrate the story.

1.2 Where does Our water come from? (local perspective) • Illustrate the flow of rainwater specific to the Edwards Aquifer showing the contributing zone, recharge zone and then out of the artesian zone • Introduce the Edwards Aquifer - a unique Karst aquifer system; and what that means for water quantity and quality. -Visual size of aquifer: Provide a visual of how large it is, in relation to other bodies of water or geographical points of interest. -Introduce the three zones of the Edwards Aquifer functions: Contributing Zone (drainage/groundwater story), Recharge Zone, Artesian Zone -Explain how the three zones of the Edwards Aquifer are connected to surface water -Illustrate the flow of rainwater into the contributing zone, recharge zone and then out of the artesian zone. "! Represent the Edwards Aquifer’s unique karst limestone using actual exposed limestone: 1.3 What is a watershed? (we are all connected) • Introduce watershed (habitat, aquatic, terrestrial) and explain how watershed protection is tied to land use which is tied to water use (closed system) • The Edwards Aquifer is a part of a chain of regional water systems • We are all connected; water goes into the ground and discharges as spring flow in San Marcos and Comal, the largest springs systems in Texas 1.4 Can We run out of water? (environmental factors/human behavior) • Weather: climate affects the aquifer and environment over time • Sharing: The health of the aquifer species, as well as the quantity and quality of the water, are dependent on stakeholder (agricultural, municipal, recreational) knowledge and action. • Spring flow indicates the health and wellness of the Aquifer 2.1 Home water conservation (Home Examples Cited in interp plan): • On average each person uses 100 gallons of water per day. Most of the water people use is for their lawns in the summer and this collectively has an impact on the Aquifer • Tooth brushing (turn off the water), showers (less than 5 min) • Drip Detective: find and fix leaks around homes • For lawns: sprinklers with timers, consider native and drought tolerant plantings, Xeriscape style gardening (see note; exterior exhibit) https://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/

a. Show size of aquifer with graphic map with collateral content (vertical format/wall); include possible video with overview b. Video: Show the flow of water from one zone to the next. RE: KSAT 12 Meteorologist Sarah Spivey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtV-kDF4UTA c. EAA Video: Older existing video from 2011; use as is –OR- consider new script, narrator’s voice, and music track. "Drop Inside the Edwards Aquifer" and explore an unfamiliar world hidden deep beneath the earth's surface as computer animation, video footage, and still photography reveal the mysteries of our fascinating aquifer system. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzYWOM2TmJk d. Consider separate exhibit islands that feature each zone with photos and text; key map diagram to locate – Contributing / Recharge / Artesian. Integrate live exhibit where applicable. e. Show Karst Limestone: • Touchable specimen on rail –OR- Large block • Show how much water a piece of karst can contain in comparison to other stone. Flip sealed container so water drains into a second chamber and can be measured as compared to another stone. • Supporting graphic about porosity and permeability; • Hands on flip jars with fluid and incorporate a Protection message here: show how the Edwards is unique in having no sand for filtration layers emphasizing urgency for protection f. Large format images from all three zones of the aquifer a. Consider an OmniGlobe (32”) showing water cycle; global connection for visitors; other programs include weather patterns; drought; etc. b.. Include a weather station outside (phase 2) c. Post daily or weekly the amount of water in the control well in San Antonio a. Graphic info wheel reveals facts when wheel is rotated (“whizz wheel”) b. Water “calculator” triggered by sink handle; meter tallies until water is turned off c. Side-by-side examples of standard vs. low flow by turning appliance on and each respectively fills a clear tube

MESSAGE 2: CONSERVE – A COMPONENT OF ENHANCEMENT Make informed daily choices to help conserve the Edwards Aquifer ecosystem • Protect water quantity and quality for present and future generations • Conservation and management are long-term endeavors

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PROGRAMMING VSR V1 DRAFT !