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DRBC Staff Teach Pollution Prevention, Water Conservation at Philadelphia Flower Show

Earlier this month, DRBC staff exhibited at the Philadelphia Flower Show. The theme of this year's Flower Show was the Wonders of Water, making it especially fitting for DRBC staff to participate, teaching kids and adults alike about two important issues: water pollution and water conservation.

DRBC staff were set up in the "Backyard" exhibit space in the Grand Hall. In addition to Delaware River Basin maps and and other educational materials, staff brought the commission's Enviroscape watershed model. This model teaches about different sources of point-source and non-point source pollution found in runoff especially after heavy rains. The model demonstrates in a visually engaging way the connection between land and water and what we all can do to help keep our waterways clean and conserve water in our daily lives.

Staff also talked to Flower Show attendees about DRBC, commission programs, and about the Delaware River Basin in general. Many of those who stopped by to talk with staff thanked us for being there and helping tie together and reinforce what they saw in the main exhibit hall, which included a display about the different parts of the Delaware River Watershed and one about how to save and reuse water in your home.

Outreach is an important component of DRBC's mission. Staff had a great time participating in this event and enjoyed telling DRBC's story to folks from the basin and beyond who may not be aware of who we are and what we do to manage and protect the water resources of the Delaware River.

DRBC's Denise McHugh uses the Enviroscape model to demonstrate how what we do on the land can affect our waterways. Photo by DRBC.A young Flower Show attendee has a little fun with DRBC's Enviroscape model. Photo by DRBC.DRBC's Kate Schmidt uses the model to show how oil leaking from a car can get into our waterways. Photo by DRBC.DRBC's Donna Woolf (R) speaks with Flower Show attendees about DRBC programs. Photo by DRBC.
A group of young attendees hold the DRBC Bald Eagle bookmarks they received after a fun Enviroscape lesson. Photo by DRBC.DRBC's Denise McHugh asks these young attendees where "poop" should be stored on farms. "Away from the river!" she exclaimed. Photo by DRBC.DRBC's Donna Woolf (R) talks with a family about what they can do around their home to help prevent water pollution. Photo by DRBC.We couldn't resist getting our pic taken as Philadelphia Water Department's Water Woman and spokesdog, who share the message of clean water across the City of Brotherly Love. Photo by DRBC.