Two water management districts are teaming up to offer a variety of interactive games and exercises at the 5th Annual Marion County Springs Festival.
Because Marion County is within the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the St Johns Water Management District, staff members from both districts are working together to teach kids about our water resources. Some of the hands-on activities include “In the Bubble,” “Make it Sink,” and “Spongy Wetlands.” Children will also have the opportunity to participate in an art contest.
The games will be featured at the festival on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Silver River State Park.
Children who participate in “In the Bubble” will learn about the surface tension of water and how it can be manipulated by soap to form bubbles. In this activity, students will get the chance to stand inside a giant bubble.
In “Make it Sink,” children and adults will learn how sinkholes form and what causes them by observing a model community that develops underground erosion.
“Spongy Wetlands” will demonstrate the importance of wetlands and how they are vital to flood control and water storage. Children and adults will see what happens when people build their homes in wetland areas or close to rivers and how wetlands, like sponges, help to absorb water and control flooding.
“These activities allow children of all ages to learn about the importance of
water through hands-on activities,” said MaryAlice Wagner, SWFWMD
communications coordinator. “Our goal is to emphasize fundamental water education principles within a fun, interactive environment.”
In addition to having several activities aimed at children, District staff will share educational materials with adults.
The Marion County Springs Festival is Sept. 15-17. The event also features environmental discussions, live entertainment, a silent auction, an art show, guided nature hikes and other outdoor recreational opportunities. For more information, visit the festival web site at www.springsfest.org.