NewsDrop-June-2024

THE EVOLUTION OF AQUIFER EDUCATION & OUTREACH

By: EAA Education Outreach Staff

“By utilizing the communicative capabilities of digital media, including platforms such as this publication, our podcast, and our website, we foster dialogue and motivate action.”

THE EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY’S JOURNEY IN INSPIRING STEWARDSHIP THROUGH EDUCATION AND OUTREACH IS BEAUTIFULLY ENCAPSULATED, REFLECTING ITS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING THIS VITAL NATURAL RESOURCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. BY HIGHLIGHTING THESE KEY MOMENTS & INITIATIVES

Nikki Young, EAA’s Senior Community Engagement Administrator

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2023-2024

2024 and Beyond:

2010s Digital and Social Media Outreach

2020s Education Outreach Center (EOC)

EOC Opening: EAA opens the Education Outreach Center (EOC), welcoming nearly 10,000 guests within two years.

School Year: Visitor Engagement: The EOC hosts over 5,000 visitors, including students, senior citizens, parents, and teachers, engaging them with nature-based activities, wildlife encounters, presentations, and hikes.

• Digital and Community Engagement: EAA continues to leverage digital media and community engagement to emphasize the importance of managing, enhancing, and protecting the aquifer. • Annual Events: The Edwards Aquifer Summit Luncheon gathers civic leaders and elected officials to discuss sustainability and conservation efforts. “Our presence in the community has transformed into a warm invitation, especially as interest in water conservation grows,” Nikki Young

“Our Education Outreach Center is more than just an educational hub; it’s a space for meaningful engagement,” “Through hands-on activities, we are not only teaching but also fostering a deeper connection to our aquifer.” Sarah Valdez, EOC Senior STEAM Outreach Educator

• Social Media Expansion: EAA expands its outreach through social media, hosting diverse events like river clean-ups, Earth Day celebra tions, and industry conferences. • Sponsorships: EAA sponsors major events and festivals, collaborating with environmental symposiums and conservation expos.

“The Edwards Aquifer Authority’s educational resources have always been free of charge. Make sure to take advantage of all that the EAA has to offer.” Sarah Valdez

“Through strategic efforts such as giveaways, volunteer programs, and social media campaigns, the EAA connects with varied demographics, inspiring stewardship.”

Visit the EOC website: https://www.eaaeoc.org/

The Recharge Zone Podcast, debuted in 2020, and is hosted by Ann-Margaret Gonzalez and Brent Doty.

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