NewsDrop-Jan-Feb-2026

EAA EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER

YEAR

By: EAA EOC Staff

HALLMARK a

for Aquifer Education

2025 WAS A YEAR OF MANY NEW ADDITIONS AND GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER! NEW FACES, NEW EXHIBITS AND A MILESTONE NUMBER OF VISITORS ARE JUST SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR!

While most of our visitors came for school field trips, there were additional groups and events hosted at the EOC. This year, we saw multiple senior centers, homeschool groups, and teacher trainings. In January, we welcomed Janeisha Grider, the Mayor of Kirby, along with a senior center group for an aquifer presentation and a tour of all the exhibits. In June, Elizabeth Gutierrez, EAA STEAM Outreach Educator II, facilitated Project WET training for Comal ISD teachers. Teachers were guided through activities ranging from elementary and secondary-level activities that focus on water use, conservation, water quality, water cycle, and

physical properties of water. In October, the EOC hosted visitors who attended the EAA’s Annual Luncheon Summit Event at Morgan’s Camp. Guests including researchers, aquifer scientists, community partners, and other environmental professionals were invited to tour both the EAA’s Education Outreach Center and Field Research Park. Master of Ceremonies, KENS5 Meteorologist, and EOC friend, Bill Taylor opened the event, focusing on the importance of the Edwards Aquifer. Speakers Paul Bertetti, Sarah Rountree Schlessinger, and Roland Ruiz participated in a lively audience Q&A.

Amazing Guests

The EOC achieved a remarkable milestone this year, reaching over 10,000 visitors! On Wednesday, November 19th, Scarborough Elementary School pushed us over the 10,000 mark with 155 students visiting on November 19th and 20th. With nearly 100 schools engaging in our educational program, we are honored to have hosted so many students throughout this year.

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