Jenkins Presents Water Pioneers Program at Southern Regional Agent Workshop

Attendees at the Southern Regional Agent Workshop

KWRRI Program Director Stephanie Jenkins attended the Southern Regional Agent Workshop for Cooperative Extension in Nashville, TN, where she presented information about KWRRI's Water Pioneers Partnership. The SRAW provided opportunities for discussions about successful watershed programs, demonstration projects, and funding mechanisms. The training was intended to equip Agents with the latest information and examples of Extension's role in developing watersheds and to improve their ability to understand and help propose solutions to urbanization issues.

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.