How’s that water?

Regional students find out in ‘Water Snapshot’

By SANDY LONG

UPPER DELAWARE REGION — Four hundred students from schools in the Upper Delaware region are partnering with the National Park Service (NPS) to evaluate the health of the Delaware River watershed during the Water Snapshot now underway.

Originally designed by the Delaware River Basin Commission in 1995, the program has been offered for the past decade in the Upper Delaware region by the NPS. The newly expanded environmental stewardship project takes an annual look at water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, temperature and pH to assess the river’s general health.

In addition to the hands-on field testing that occurs at several locations, the Water Snapshot also features advance classroom visits from NPS rangers.

Jamie Myers, biologist for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, said the project’s primary value is the educational opportunity it provides. “It’s a great way for the kids to get out in the real world and experience real science, and see for themselves that this is good water quality in their own backyard. It helps them understand why it’s so important for them to be good stewards and how special it is to live so close to a national park.”

The students from Lakeside Elementary School in Honesdale, PA, who collected samples at the Darbytown Access on Earth Day, showed great enthusiasm for the project. Many had never been to the Delaware River before, and had to fight the temptation to take a dip despite the chilly water. The activity raises awareness of the need for good water stewardship and instills a sense of ownership in the students for the welfare of the river.

Asked if they are concerned about the health of the river, several students responded with a decided, “Yes!” What is it that worries them? “The garbage. All the polluting. People just don’t care,” said one young girl.

Peering into the clear water, another added, “If you look really close, you can see a whole life on one rock.” Would they like to see the river remain just as it is? “Yes!” Will they do their part? “Yes!”

“The kids are clearly interested in this,” said seasonal interpretive ranger Chris Grindle. “Especially since they live near the river, it’s important to provide this experience. We hope it contributes to their concern for the watershed as they grow up.”

For more information visit nps.gov/upde/forteachers/water-snapshot.htm or call Myers at 570/ 729-7842.