TROY – Area fourth graders will find out about protecting the state’s groundwater supplies at Troy University April 26.

It’s the fifth year the University’s Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences has hosted the Pike County Groundwater Festival that provides hands-on learning for all fourth graders in Pike County.

According to Mike Mullen, research coordinator for the Center for Environmental Research at Troy University, “Keeping Groundwater Clean – Everybody’s Business” will provide students the opportunity to participate in three 30-minute activities designed to enhance science education about water and teach prevention of groundwater pollution.

“It teaches the kids about water quality and taking care of the environment,” he said.

Those activities are the “Edible Aquifier,” a filtration activity and a water cycle bracelet-making station.

“This is strickly a community-supported, community-funded and volunteer event,” Mullen said.

About $5,300 in funding was provided from community sponsors. Other sponsors are providing services and volunteers for the festival, which will be conducted in two sessions – the first beginning at 9 a.m., the second at 10:50 a.m.

Financial sponsors include: Wal-Mart DC #7019, Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the City of Troy, the City of Brundidge, South Alabama Electric Cooperative, Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Wastershed Management Authority and Dairy Fresh. In-kind sponsors include the Pike County Water Authority, Troy University, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service and the Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper.

A Groundwater Festival artwork contest has already taken place. The winning design will emblazon the front of the festival’s t-shirt.

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