1. Sallie Gregory Lancaster Co. Conservation District Education Coordinator salliegregory@lancasterconservation.or g (717)-299-5361 x.117 Allie Toomey EarthEcho International Education Coordinator allie@earthecho.org (203) 250-3190

2. From Classroom to Creek: An Experiential Education Who We Are Lancaster County Conservation District EarthEcho International “Best Path for a Raindrop” Riparian Buffers Macroinvertebrates Study Urbanization Activity

3. “For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.” – Jacques Cousteau

4. Conservation District History Conservation – The wise use of our natural resources 1935, the Soil Conservation Act – Nationwide program to assist farmers heal and protect the land for the future generations as a result of the Dust Bowl era. The State of PA recognized the potential of Districts ability to educate, promote, and deliver soil and water conservation programs locally. The state delegated responsibility for certain programs, such as: - Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control (102) - Dam Safety and Waterway Management (105) - Watershed Specialist support - Nutrient Management Act Program (Act 38) - Dirt and Gravel Roads program Today Education is a critical tool!

5. EarthEcho International Founded in 2000 by Philippe & Alexandra Cousteau Work with schools across the country to bring environmental education in to the classroom EarthEcho Expeditions: Excursions exploring pressing environmental issues. Educational nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth to take action that restores and protects our water planet.

6. EarthEcho & Lancaster County Conservation District

7. Herbaceous Buffers Due to sewer right of ways trees are not always the best option Perennials and native grasses were planted by volunteers instead. The Lancaster County Conservation District offers assistance to farmers, the building industry, teachers, students, and county residents to care for the natural resources of Lancaster County.

8. You Can Make a Difference Native trees/grass/flowers near streams filter pollutants from roadways such as oil, salt/de-icing materials, and litter.

9. No Mow Zones near streams provide shade to cool water and leaves from trees feed stream critters that fish feed on including freshwater shrimp and mayflies.

10. Service Learning: Riparian Buffers

11. How To: Collect & Identify Macro Invertabrates

12. What’s missing from this diagram? Concrete! Asphalt! Buildings!

13. Urbanized Water Cycle In each “community” you will simulate 5 rain events. Simulate each event by drawing 10 raindrops & recording where each rain drop “went.” Calculate percentages for infiltration, evaporation, and runoff. Lesson plan is available on earthecho.org/expeditions Under “Day 2”

14. Urbanized Water Cycle What factors could cause the differences in the amount of runoff and infiltration in these communities?

15. Urbanized Water Cycle How could the differences we see in each community impact the natural water cycle for the area?

16. Urbanized Water Cycle Which community do you predict has the cleanest overall surface water (rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds)? Why?

17. Urbanized Water Cycle Which community best resembles your home community? Which best represents where we are now?

18. Rain Check: A Guide for Stormwater Action

19. Join the Conversation facebook.com/EarthEcho +EarthEcho International @EarthEcho #ExpeditionEE /publisher/EarthEcho