The Dearborn County Community Foundation awarded $6,750 to the Tanners Creek Watershed Project from the City of Lawrenceburg Youth Grant, City of Aurora Grant Program and the Community Investment Grant Program. These grants will allow the Tanners Creek Steering Committee to introduce its newest education program for fourth grade students, "The Water Festival."

Partnering with the Solid Waste Management District, Purdue Extension, and South Dearborn High School, this one-day event promotes hands-on learning about water issues and will be offered to the South Dearborn School Corporation's fourth grade students and teachers for the 2002-2003 school year.

Local water resource professionals will provide engaging activities and exhibits on water, wetlands, human health, and aquatic life. The goals of the festival are to teach students about the value of clean water and healthy habitats; and to provide teachers with materials and lessons they can use for years to come.

"Educational field days are so important for students" said Kris Streb, Tanners Creek Watershed Coordinator. "Not only are students able to enjoy a day outside, but the activities involve so much participation from students, they can't help but learn while having fun."

This year's Water Festival will be held on September 24th at the Aurora City Park. There will be six, forty minutes sessions with topics including: Fish Printing, Biology of a Stream, Water Quality Testing, Water Conservation, Nonpoint Source Pollution, and Groundwater Flow.

The Dearborn County Soil and Water Conservation District initiated the Tanners Creek Watershed Project in 2000 to involve and educate community members about water quality issues. The Tanners Creek Steering Committee is committed to providing leadership, education and coordination that encourages public involvement in the conservation of all natural resources within the Tanners Creek Watershed.

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