Hardin Park School

hosts conservation day
By Melanie Marshall

About 70 percent of the earth’s surface is covered by water. Students of Hardin Park Elementary spent Earth Day learning how to conserve and protect this natural resource.

The town of Boone, Watauga County Cooperative Extension Office and Appalachian State University partnered to present Enviroscape Education Day to first, fourth and fifth grade classes.

Enviroscapes are tabletop models that provide an interactive demonstration between actions and the effects on the environments. The town, county and ASU have partnered to purchase four models that show the many aspects of water quality.

The first Enviroscape demonstrated drinking water sources and wastewater treatment was presented by Andrea Gimlin, Town of Boone water conservation coordinator. Using colored water, Gimlin displayed where the town’s drinking comes from, the process by which it is store, the route of the sewer system and treatment process.

The hazardous material and clean-up tabletop was presented by Marsha Story, the town of Boone recycling coordinator.

This station provided students with information regarding landfill runoff containment and the effects of hazardous material on groundwater, which is then pulled into homes by wells and springs.

Story stressed the importance of proper disposal of materials such as cleaning supplies, paint and other chemicals.

Wendy Patoprsty of the Watauga County Cooperative Extension Office presented a demonstration of watershed, nonpoint source, storm water pollution and prevention. Patoprsty used colored powders as “fertilizers and oil” and bits of trash to simulate how rain causes these substances drain into water sources.

The students discussed different methods to care for the land and reduce water pollution.

A wetland functions, values, protection and conservation simulation was presented by Andi Cochran, representing ASU. Using a tabletop model, Cochran demonstrated how wetlands absorb and filter water, prevent stream bank erosion and improve water quality.

In addition to the Enviroscape demostrations, the “Stream Doctor and Mandy the May Fly” also addressed the students. Dick and Joan Hearn volunteer through the Watauga River Conservation Partners to provide a demonstration of fresh water conservation and protection.

They discuss the chain of life in a stream using the example of trees that feed may flies and trout that eat flies. Without one the chain is broken.

The Hearns have been volunteering as the Stream Doctor and Mandy for several years in fourth grade classrooms.

An Enviroscape Education Day was held on Monday at Two Rivers Community School. Gimlin, Story, Patopsty and Cochran were also invited to Watauga High School on Tuesday and Thursday to set up an information booth on water conservation and recycling. The group was invited by the Environmental Science Club under the direction of faculty advisor David Phillips.