Water Resources Education Program

The Water Resources Education Program (WREP) is a program that engages students in introductory, foundation-laying, watershed experiences that enhance the local curriculum, increase water resources literacy and foster stewardship ethic in a team structure. As part of WREP, students will research and investigate a water resources issue and identify the need for action through learning about their surrounding community.

Students:

Participate in a long term, meaningful water resources experience that includes learning both outdoors and in the classroom with activities designed to increase watershed science literacy.
Learn to investigate environmental issues, identify actions to address these issues and learn the value of those actions.
Become aware of local issues and select a focus for deeper investigation.
Learn about their selected focus through the development of a stewardship action plan.
Practice life skills while implementing stewardship action plan.

Essential program elements:

Interested, dedicated teacher - Teachers will have support from Watershed Council staff to integrate knowledge of environmental issues and watershed concepts into their current curriculum.
Curriculum Integration– Every effort will be made to integrate into classroom curriculum providing authentic, age appropriate, engaging multi-disciplinary content to address current standards. Each classroom team will have an individualized experience based on interest within the group.
Learn Local Spectrum/Place Based Education – This program promotes learning from the local community and environment and is the primary resource for the student experience. Learning about local and regional issues creates a connection to community that will foster a stewardship ethic within the team.
Team Service – Watershed Council education staff will provide a framework of experiences including classroom sessions, support for site experiences, and resource support of a team stewardship project.
Resource Persons – Provides experience with local resource persons based on team stewardship projects to further strengthen the “Learn Local Spectrum.”

This video shows the WREP teams that participated during the 2018/2019 school year and their completed projects.

2018 WREP PROJECT - Petoskey Middle School

To view the powerpoint that each class presented, click on the presentation cover below.

Our Erosion Garden
Petoskey Middle School - Mrs. Martin 1st Hour

Pollinator Garden
Petoskey Middle School - Mrs. Martin 2nd Hour

Bird and Bat Houses
Petoskey Middle School - Mrs. Martin 3rd Hour

Our Gutter System
Petoskey Middle School - Mrs. Martin 4th Hour

FOGO's Clean & Green Gang
Petoskey Middle School - Mrs. Fogo Science Class

A Little Dirt Doesn't Hurt -
Erosion Controllers & Planters
Petoskey Middle School - Mrs. Neal 1st Hour

Seed Bombs
Petoskey Middle School
Mr. William's Science Class

2018 WREP Project - Wolverine Public School

Wolverine WREP Students
Mrs. Sayles Wolverine 7th Class

Improve Pollinator Habitat
Wolverine 7th Grade Students
Built and installed flower boxes.

Rain Barrels
Wolverine 7th Grade Students
Homemade Rain Barrels for Fundraiser

2018 WREP Project - Ellsworth Public School

Beach Cleanup and Planning
for a Planting in 2019.
Ellsworth Middle School

Click here to view the Ellsworth WREP powerpoint presentation.

Funding for the WREP program has been generously provided by:

Supporting 2018-2019 for
Charlevoix County Schools

Invest in the next generation
of watershed stewards!

Your support is needed to continue our youth education programming.
If you would like to support our
WREP program, please contact
Gail Gruenwald or Eli Baker
at (231) 347-1181.