The Southwestern Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the coordinator, the Water Information Program, would like to thank the many individuals, agencies, and service groups for their contribution to the success of the 19th annual Children's Water Festival which was held May 7 at Fort Lewis College.
The presenters' enthusiasm and the quality of their sessions made the Water Festival a memorable event for over 900 fifth grade students who attended from across the nine-county Dolores/San Juan River Basin. With this many students, it was by far the largest festival to date! The students learned through informative presentations, models, and hands-on demonstrations the importance of water, conservation, and how they can make a difference in protecting and maintaining the resource.
Area volunteers and high school guides from Animas High and Bayfield led the students from station to station around campus. Kudos to these guides and great kids! Nearly 100 presenters and volunteers demonstrated an untiring commitment to educating students on a variety of water topics. Those presenters and volunteers include representatives from area cities, schools, state and U.S. government, local organization representatives, and the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Indian tribes. Huge thanks, too, to Fort Lewis College's staff for their assistance with planning and catering. Their competent help and support covering a vast array of details are much appreciated.
The Children's Water Festival would not be possible without the support of a large number of people. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering or providing a presentation for next year's event, please contact the SWCD office at 247-1302.
Denise Rue-Pastin, Water Information Program coordinator
Durango
