Capital Region Earth Force and the Smithsonian's Conservation and Research Center hosted 20 educators during the Second Annual Watershed Academy on June 25 –June 28, 2007. The four-day residential program began in the mountains of Front Royal, Virginia. During the week, participants visited numerous sites within the Potomac River Watershed including:
- Shenandoah River State Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Congressional Cemetery
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Warren County Government Center
- Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center
Scientific and management issues impacting the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay Watersheds –from the mountains to the metropolis- were covered during these visits. Educators trained side by side with scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and partnering agencies as classroom and field studies were conducted on a variety of topics including watersheds, geology, water and biodiversity monitoring.
In keeping with the Chesapeake 2000 goals, educators created personal Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience Plans to be implemented during the 2007-2008 school year with their students. Earth Force's service learning best practices were also explored. Educators could elect to receive graduate credit following completion of the Academy.
We hope you'll join us in 2008!Thank you to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration for their support of “From the Mountains to the Metropolis”.