Eckstein Middle School Explores Water Issues

MEDIA ALERT

Seattle, WA June 2015 Event Details Who: Eckstein Middle School 6^th graders and several local community partners, including Seattle Parks Department, Seattle Public Utilities, Brightwater Waste Water Treatment plant, 12,000 Rain Gardens Campaign, Earth Corps, Homewaters, and Sustainability Ambassadors. What: Over 300 6th graders from Seattle’s Eckstein Middle School will participate in a unique three-day field experience culminating a yearlong study of water issues, particularly stormwater. Inspired by our annual Clean Water Challenge and in part by the Puget Sound National Civic Education grant from Earth Day Network for Stormwater Education, we have worked for over a year to develop this experience for our students. Students will tour the Brightwater Treatment Plant and learn about water-related careers. Continuing their field study, students will visit Magnuson Park to work on restoration ecology projects with the grounds crew. Then the students will test the results of the storm water retention ponds with park. Finally, students will explore their own campus and community to complete action activities, including storm water drain stenciling, perc testing for rain gardens, and mural designs. Where: Eckstein Middle School, 3003 NE 75^th Street, Seattle, WA 98115 Magnuson Park When: June 9, 10, and 11^th, from 9am-1:30pm Why: Stormwater runoff is the number one pollution problem in the northwest. It has affected virtually all urban creeks, streams, and rivers in the Puget Sound– harming wildlife and compromising our water quality. Stormwater pollution derives from small amounts of individual pollution. Therefore, the solution rests in individual behavior changes. Throughout the past year, Eckstein Middle School’s 6^thgraders learned why their watershed is so important to their community. Now watch them take steps to make a difference, and encourage others to do the same. Media Contacts Jessica Levine, Eckstein Middle School teacher and event organizer, [email protected] Johanna Bozuwa, Earth Day Network Education Director, [email protected]