NewsDrop-June-2024

THE EVOLUTION OF AQUIFER EDUCATION & OUTREACH

By: EAA Education Outreach Staff

THEN, NOW, & WELL INTO THE FUTURE Since its establishment in 1996 , INSPIRING EDWARDS AQUIFER STEWARDSHIP

“The first step in aquifer education is realizing how water matters to you, how it affects your life. Once that connection is established, caring about water becomes easier.” Sarah Valdez,

EOC Senior STEAM Outreach Educator and a 20-year veteran of the organization.

the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) has been a beacon of environmental education and outreach, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving the aquifer. Employing innovative methods to engage communities, the EAA promotes stewardship of this vital resource.

1996 Establishment: The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) is established, initiating its environmental education and outreach programs.

1995 Publication: The Edwards Underground Conservation District publishes “Water, Water Conservation, and the Edwards Aquifer,” distributed with a teacher’s guide to students.

1990s Initial Engagement.

Late 1990s

2000s Educational Programs Expansion

Early 2000s

• Educational Publications: Publication of “Edwards Aquifer: Understand, Conserve, and Protect” book for students. • Classroom visits: EAA Education staff visits schools demonstrating how the aquifer works with an acrylic groundwater model. • Educational Characters: Introduction of Karston the Texas Blind Salamander puppet. Karston, and Doc Edwards, a fictional character promot ing aquifer education through comic books and activity books.

• Speakers Bureau: Launch of the EAA Speakers

Bureau to inform the public about the aquifer’s significance and water conservation. • Community Events: EAA employees participate in community events, festivals, and trade shows with information booths, handmade props, and interactive materials. • Theatrical Performances: Introduction of skits, plays, and theatrical performances to educate children about the aquifer.

“People don’t care about some thing unless they understand it.” Sarah Valdez

image source: texashistory.unt.edu/ark

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