The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association has joined the effort to kindle students’ interest and deepen their knowledge, in the fields of knowledge embraced by STEM.
It has announced the start of its new Watershed Academy, a pilot program developed for high school students entering grades 10 to 12.
The academy will be held at the Watershed Center for Environmental Advocacy, Science and Education, which opened several weeks ago.
“The academy features an adventure into STEM-principled sustainability education during the week of July 6,” said Watershed spokesman Rob Nicolaides.
“Students will develop and utilize STEM skills as they examine the causes and measure the impacts of stormwater runoff on our streams and the environment. Community experts will engage the students as they examine a variety of solutions implemented here at the Watershed Center and at other community locations.
“Ultimately, students will apply this knowledge in order to alleviate this issue at one or more problem sites in the community by developing their own green infrastructure designs.”
The program will conclude with a presentation of methods, results and recommendations to a panel of experts that will provide feedback to the students on their designs.
The Watershed Academy accommodates just 10 students in its first year so parents are encouraged to register their children early to reserve a spot.
Drop in to the Watershed Center for a Lunch & Learn with one of the teacher-naturalists Monday, June 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Parents and children 5 to 10 years old should pack a lunch and join the group for a nature-themed lunch hour.
Have the lunch in the Watershed Center or outdoors, weather permitting, coupled with a nature mini-lesson and a hands-on activity. The group will go home with ideas to explore and projects to tackle for further enrichment.
Each session will take a peek at a different environmental topic. Registration is not required; drop-ins are welcome.
Call 609-737-7592 for more information.
After-school nature classes are in full swing.
Children 6 to 10 years old can explore the reserve with one of the teacher-naturalists. Outdoor discoveries, hikes and seasonal surprises will be held each week.
The June 9 class topic is “Pond Exploration: In the Pond.”
This class meets at the Pond House on Wargo Road from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. The fee is $10 for members and $15 for others. Register and pay for four classes and receive a fifth class free.
Space is limited; registration is required. Call 609-737-7592 for more information and to register. The Pond House is at 261 Wargo Road in Hopewell Township.
For the younger set, children 3 to 5 years old join a teacher-naturalist each week to learn more about nature in nature.
The preschool topic for the June 9 and 10 classes is “Meet the Beetles.”
Learn more about beetles with the naturalist and go on a bug hunt outside.
Register to attend a preschool class either Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The fee per child is $10 for members and $15 for others. Register and pay for four classes and receive a fifth class free.
Space is limited; registration is required. Call 609-737-7592 for more information and to register.
The Watershed Association’s education department offers public drop-in hours in the Kingsford Community Room.
Visit the nature center critters in their relocated home, chat with a teacher-naturalist, learn about upcoming public programs or pick up a trail map and get information about seasonal outdoor happenings on the trails.
Public visitor hours are Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. No registration or appointment is necessary.
Families and adults are welcome; all children must be accompanied by an adult. Questions? Call 737-7592.
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed’s nature reserve is open to the public for hiking seven days a week, dawn to dusk.
Stop by the main office to pick up a complimentary trail map before heading out.
The Watershed Reserve is at 31 Titus Mill Road in Hopewell Township.
For fee and other information, call 737-7592 or visit www.thewatershed.org.
