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Commitment to Improving Freshwater Resources Pays Off

The PA Watershed Task Force awarded for their work.

During this time of quarantine, when many of us are getting outside to enjoy the fresh air, it has never been more important to take care of our natural resources. The PA Watershed Task Force, a consortium of partners that includes Millersville University (MU), are committed to environmental education through hands-on learning projects and are dedicated to improving our freshwater resources.

Earlier this spring, the task force received the 2020 Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators’ Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award to recognize their efforts in this area. Millersville’s Watershed Education Training Institute (WETi) is an important part of the work that helped earn the award.

MU’s WETi is a watershed education program founded by Drs. John Wallace and Nanette Marcum-Dietrich. Located on Millersville’s campus, the program allows students to collect data and conduct experiments from streams, including the Conestoga River, which runs along the edge of campus.

The 2020 PAEE Award is given to innovative environmental education programs that focus on helping the environment. The award not only reflects the hard work done by dedicated individuals within the program, but also the impact on students, youth, educators and other organizations throughout the state.

MU’s WETi is a watershed education program founded by Drs. John Wallace and Nanette Marcum-Dietrich. Located on Millersville’s campus, the program allows students to collect data and conduct experiments from streams, including the Conestoga River, which runs along the edge of campus. The program gives students opportunities to become watershed ambassadors through projects and enhance their education into the benefits of watersheds in our ecosystem.

Additionally, WETI is a part of PA’s Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE) and holds Ambassador Training Capacity Building programs. WETi piloted the first MWEE workshop in the state in 2018. Based on the success of this program, the University hosts two annual workshops each year.

Marcum-Dietrich also serves as a part of the MWEE Ambassador PD Committee.

“Millersville University and Watershed Education Training Institute are proud to be members of the PA Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience Ambassador Training Capacity Building Program as it provides our education students with on-campus access to MWEE training where they can learn about our local watershed and ways to integrate watershed education into their future classroom,” said Marcum-Dietrich.

More information on this award can be found at www.paee.net. More information about MU’s WETi program can be found by contacting Dr. Nanette Marcum-Dietrich at nanette.dietrich@millersville.edu.

 

 

 

 

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