Healthy Watershed, Healthy You! - part II
This academic year, SEA is exploring connections between environmental and human health. The two are undeniably intertwined. Humans have a direct impact on the health of the environment and the health of the environment directly affects human health. This year, we will head outside to various sites in the Anacostia watershed to investigate topics and issues that affect the health of our watershed and us as humans. We will also dive deeper into nature-based, recreational activities that focus on supporting positive human health. Get ready to tour DC Water’s headquarters and pumping station, paddle on the Anacostia River in Dragon Boats, bike in Anacostia Park, learn about and care for AWS’ mussels (superheroes for cleaning the Anacostia!), and more!
Help with AWS’ mussel program at one of our aquaculture sites in the watershed. We will get an up-close, hands-on look at these filter-feeding superheroes for the Anacostia River. Some activities will include mussel basket maintenance work, separating sand from mussels, cleaning the baskets, counting the mussels, tagging baskets, etc. Depending on timing, we may do some hiking and exploring other species present at this location using dipnets and AWS’ very own natural resources gurus, Jorge B. Montero and Jennie Hudson. Super fun way to finish up our academic year theme of “Healthy Watershed, Healthy You”!
| DATE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 3/28 |
Get to know the other SEA students and staff, help form SEA expectations, and learn about our theme at this spring kick-off session! Explore connections to our theme as we tour DC Water’ historic pumping station that was constructed from 1904-1907 and is still in service today (registered as a National Historic Site in 2012). It handles 400 million gallons of wastewater a day, sending it down the system to the Blue Plains Treatment Plant, the largest wastewater treatment plant in the world. Students will also visit DC Water Headquarters (HQO), which is built on top of the O Street Pumping Station. Our LEED platinum building has several sustainability features on display, a green roof, rain water collection tank, and a wastewater energy system used for heating and cooling the building. |
|
4/4 |
NO SESSION - Spring Break |
|
4/11 |
Get your body moving on dragon and outrigger boats on the Anacostia River! The National Capital Area Women's Paddling Association will lead us in this fun, engaging activity that demonstrates the interdependence of human and river health. This, and other enjoyable recreational activities for humans, can only be fully enjoyed if the river and all of the plant and animal species living and growing here are healthy too! |
|
4/18 |
Get your body moving, take II— this time in Anacostia Park with the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA). We will learn about this special place in our watershed, along the Anacostia River, and get the opportunity to bike in it! We will do a helmet fit, safety training, games, and rides. The rides will be leveled/grouped according to experience. Brand new riders will be okay! |
|
4/25 |
Increase your health and that of the Anacostia watershed and river by helping with the Anacostia Watershed Society’s (AWS) Earth Day Cleanup. This event is the largest AWS volunteer event of the year. Exciting that SEA students are a part of it! We’ll focus on cleanup efforts at one of many participating sites in the Anacostia watershed. |
|
5/2 |
Let’s go FISHING! Several returning students asked for a fishing session so we’re doing it! We will head to a spot along the Anacostia River to meet with a local Anacostia River and fishing guru. We’ll learn a bit about the history of the river, role fishing has played in the local community, health of the fish, etc. No fishing experience? No worries. You will learn the basics. We may not catch anything, but if we do it will be strictly catch and release. |
|
5/9 |
Help with AWS’ mussel program at one of our aquaculture sites in the watershed. We will get an up-close, hands-on look at these filter-feeding superheroes for the Anacostia River. Some activities will include mussel basket maintenance work, separating sand from mussels, cleaning the baskets, counting the mussels, tagging baskets, etc. Depending on timing, we may do some hiking and exploring other species present at this location using dipnets and AWS’ very own natural resources gurus, Jorge B. Montero and Jennie Hudson. Super fun way to finish up our academic year theme of “Healthy Watershed, Healthy You”! |
