W A T E R F E S T I V A L
CHILDREN ' S
W A T E R F E S T I V A L
Lake Erie provides drinking water for over 11 million people!
In the first week of October, Asbury Woods welcomed more than 550 enthusiastic students from 10 different schools to its annual Children ' s Water Festival. The event offered an immersive, hands-on learning experience focused on water education, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
Students participated in engaging activities led by facilitators from a wide range of environmental and educational organizations. Partners included the PA Fish & Boat Commission, French Creek Valley Conservancy, DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Creek Connections, Erie County Conservation District, Millcreek Township, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania Sea Grant, Regional Science Consortium, Erie Water Works, and Intermediate Unit 5. illcreek
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP NEWS
A highlight of the festival was a water cycle demonstration led by Millcreek Township employees— Ashley Marsteller, Jessica Stutzman, Gene Clemente, Emily Dylewski, and Chantel Rodriguez. Using glass jars, the team guided students through the stages of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. The students were captivated as they watched these natural processes unfold before their eyes.
While waiting for their experiments to progress, instructors discussed the importance of aqueducts and the critical need to conserve freshwater. These lessons were especially relevant to students in the Great Lakes region, where protecting water resources is vital for both human communities and natural ecosystems.
The Children ' s Water Festival not only provided an educational and enjoyable day outdoors, but also helped instill a lasting sense of environmental responsibility in the next generation.
TOP 5 WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
Turn Off the Tap: Don’ t let the water run while brushing your teeth or washing your hands. Turning off the tap can save up to 8 gallons of water a day per person!
Fix Leaks Promptly: A dripping faucet or leaking toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. Regularly check for leaks and get them fixed as soon as possible.
Use Water-Efficient Fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to reduce water use without sacrificing performance. Many of these are inexpensive and easy to install.
Water Lawns Wisely: Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Better yet, choose native plants that need less watering and are better for the environment.
Reuse When You Can: Collect rainwater using rain barrels or use leftover water from water bottles to water plants.
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