by Karen Farhlander
After many months of planning, May 2 and 3 for the Watershed Awareness Expo finally arrived! Volunteers, concession from Sundre Pickleball Association and presenters were all ready. On May 2, 465 students from kindergarten to grade 10 plus 40 school staff listened to presenters as they delivered an engaging watershed lesson. Students were excited to learn where water comes from, how to identify water critters, how to be respectful in the back country along with many more lessons.
Here is a list of the presenters who attended the event:
*Legacy Land Trust-Rose Chong-Wu-May 2-Riparian Areas and Drought May 3
*Mountain View County-Lorelee Grattidge-May 2 and 3-Protecting Riparian Areas
*Clearwater County-Bettina van Nieuwkerk-Respect in the Back Country-May 2
*Town of Sundre -Operations Manager-Jim Hall-May 2 and 3-Environment Projects
*Native Trout Exhibit- Dr. Janelle Baker-May 2 and 3
*Rob Holland- Stewardship and Steeple Casts-May 2 and 3
*Alanna Waines-Artist-May 2 and 3
*What is in water? – Chloe Dziadek and Brooklyn Butts- River Valley School-May 2
*Watershed Reader -Connie Mallinson-May 2
*Norine Fullen-Artist-May 2 and 3
*Evergreen Wellness- Dani Goddard-Nature and the Nervous System-May 3
* Karen Fahrlander- Beavers and Wetlands: Ecological Superheroes-May 2 and 3
*RDRWA- Darian Coulter-May 2 and 3- Identifying Water Critters
*Restoration on Waterways-Kelsey Kure – West Fraser- Water Resources Technician
*Rural Mental Health- Anne Brander, Amanda Shaw, and Bonnie Ferguson
On May 3, the public was invited to listen to opening remarks from Karen Fahrlander and guest speaker, Lorne Fitch.
Visitors could attend presentations throughout the day, visit booths and ask questions. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and learn from one another.
The following people gave presentations:
Restoration on Waterways -Water Resources Technician-West Fraser- Kelsey Kure
What is Legacy Land Trust Society? Rose Chong-Wu
Beavers: Ecological Superheroes -Karen Fahrlander
Environmental Projects-Jim Hall-Operations Manager for Town of Sundre
Restorying Bull Trout- Dr. Janelle Baker-Athabasca University
Stewardship and Steeple Casts- Rob Holland
Nature and the Nervous System -Dani Goddard-Evergreen Wellness
State of the Watershed -Darian Coulter-Red Deer River Watershed Alliance
Feedback I received from presenters and attendees indicated they were pleased with the learning that occurred during May 2 and 3. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s expo!