Despite Environmental Science having a presence in schools’ curricula, students may not be equipped to understand simple and low-cost conservation behaviors that are available to address environmental issues. The watershed education program was one of several learning stations that over 300 students could visit during a celebration of agriculture day event at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm.  Students were presented with relatively simple behaviors, such as turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth, that can positively impact the environment. Less water wasted is less energy used to process the water.  “I never thought of that,” was a common statement among students and adults. Additional conservation behaviors taught to the students included properly storing landscaping chemicals to prevent spillage, cleaning up after pets, and running dishwashers and clothes washers with full loads to improve water use efficiency.

30 students were directly impacted with information concerning how all land use affects water quality. An Enviroscape non-point source pollution model was used during the presentation. They were informed as to what constitutes a watershed; tasked to identify activities in their watershed; understand the pollution associated with those activities; and, asked to consider actions that could reduce or eliminate the pollution. 

Without being told, the students grasped that cumulative small changes would amount to a large scale reduction in pollution and impacts to water quality. When asked if they will adopt any of the conservation behaviors presented, most of the students indicated they would. Others added they will seek out additional information to learn more.

Ed Wilcox

Watershed Research and Extension Associate

Kentucky State University.

502-597-6421

ed.wilcox@kysu.edu