NewsDrop Winter 2022

“And that’s why it’s important to protect the aquifer’s recharge zone. Any questions?” Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) educator, Mariel Ortega, clicks onto the last slide of her presentation and looks around the Karst Theatre—the Education Outreach Center’s (EOC) presentation room that replicates an Edwards Aquifer cave. The group of elementary home schoolers eagerly reach their hands for the ceiling. Ms. Ortega nods at a 3rd grade boy. Leaning forward in his seat, he says, “That was fun!” Amidst all the questions that followed, the boy’s excitement highlights the importance of the EAA-EOC. Educating the public on our shared natural resource is at the heart of the EAA’s mission, and what better way to foster learning than through fun? Ever since the grand opening in April, the EOC has been a hub of non-stop, fun education for children and adults alike. We started things off with a bang, hosting the first-ever Aquipalooza, a day of food and community in celebration of the EOC. Just one month after the grand opening, over one hundred guests enjoyed the family-friendly entertainment, from photo booths to face painting to a water-themed comedy magic show. Our grand opening itself was an exciting day. Several stakeholders were present at the ribbon-cutting. These included Gordon Hartman, co-founder of Morgan’s Wonderland which is now the host site for the EOC, and representatives from the Native American Inter-Tribal Group. Completing the ceremony was our very own mascot, Karston the Texas Blind Salamander.

EAA Sr STEAM Outreach Educator, Sarah Valdez at the EOC with TV station KENS 5 San Antonio, Bill Taylor.

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