SYRC launches water conservation program for kids as drought threatens

The South Yuba River Citizens League’s (SYRCL) River Education Program is re-launching “The Great Water Mystery” – an interactive in-school assembly program that uses an engaging mystery story to teach children about water conservation. The goal of “The Great Water Mystery” assemblies is to encourage kids to incorporate simple water conservation techniques into their daily lives.

SYRCL will be producing over 30 assemblies in Nevada and Placer counties over the next 10 months with funding from Nevada Irrigation District, City of Grass Valley, and Placer County Water Agency. This collaboratively funded program comes at a crucial time for water conservation as the state of California is in the middle of a severe drought and Californians are being asked to reduce their water consumption by 20 percent.

“SYRCL’s ‘Great Water Mystery’ starts a critical conversation with local students about where our water comes from, where it goes, and the power each of us has to insure there is enough of this precious resource for us and all of the other species who depend on the river,” said Shana Maziarz, SYRCL Board Member and co-chair of SYRCL’s River Education Committee.

“The Great Water Mystery” teaches California and National Science Standards, making it extremely desirable to teachers since it fits well with school curriculum requirements. The presentation is adapted for each grade level, so that the “mystery story” teaches age-appropriate science concepts for kindergarten through eighth grade while delivering a powerful message about water conservation.

The presentation stars “Detective Drizzle” and uses hilarious audience participation, dramatic slides, exciting demonstrations and fun stories to keep students and teachers engaged while teaching them to understand the effects that their actions have on our water supply. SYRCL’s assembly program educated over 234,000 students about water conversation before it ended in 2007 due to a lack of funds.

SYRCL would like to thank the Nevada Irrigation District, The City of Grass Valley, and Placer County Water Agency for providing funding to make this program possible.

—SYRCL

(Photo: East Bay Express)