Water Pioneers Program Receives Kentucky Earth Day Award

Water Pioneers Examine Water Samples

The Water Pioneers Program, a partnership among KWRRI, UK's Robinson Scholars Program, the Cooperative Extension Service, Eastern Kentucky Pride, and other entities, will be honored with an Earth Day Award at the Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission's annual Earth Day Celebration. The event will take place at Berry Hill Mansion in Frankfort on Friday, April 18th.

Water Pioneers provides Robinson Scholars (high school students) with experiences and curriculum for in-depth study of an Appalachian watershed. The students use this knowledge to partner with East Kentucky PRIDE educators, Kentucky Water Watch volunteers, and other interested local groups to increase awareness of Best Management Practices for water quality in their respective counties. During the learning process, the students develop ideas, communicate their knowledge, and compare/contrast experiences with students from watersheds in partnering states and regions. Through this information exchange, students investigate similarities and differences in regional water quality and learn from the educational journeys of peers in very different watersheds and areas of the country. The project culminates in an exchange program and/or "Summit" with students from all participating regions. The exchange allows youth across the United States to communicate and educate others about the importance of water quality.

The Environmental Quality Commission is a citizen advisory board created under state law to advise the Governor and state officials on environmental matters. Water Pioneers is one of eight individuals and groups being honored at the Earth Day ceremony for "demonstrat[ing] an outstanding commitment to Kentucky's environment."