Last month, I wrote about a lesson titled #“Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Watershed Awareness#” that Genesee Elementary School teacher Joyce Brunet, Port Byron student Chelsea Crawford and I developed as well as implemented at Genesee Elementary School.

In response to the lesson, the students felt that everyone should be aware of the water quality and environmental issues in our communities.

Therefore the class wrote informational letters that would do just that - educate the Cayuga County community. Below is one class letter:

“This spring, our fifth grade classes at Genesee Elementary completed a “Global Positioning System (GPS) and Watershed Awareness” project. We learned about GPS units and how to use them. Environmental Educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension taught us about watersheds, the area of land that is drained by rivers, streams, creeks and even storm drains on our streets, which eventually becomes the water that we drink and use everyday.

“With our GPS units in hand, we took a walk in our neighborhood to spot sources of nutrients and pollutants that get absorbed into the ground and washed into our storm drains. We discovered that there are many things that break down into toxins and phosphorous that are right in front of our noses! Some examples were litter, lose dirt, oil and gas in parking areas, grass clippings, and leaves in or near the street, pet waste, and household chemicals like paints and cleaners.

“We entered a way point into our GPS for each source of pollution and then went back to the classroom where we entered the data onto Google Earth and created a map that pinpointed their location. We discussed some easy solutions that citizens can do right in their own yards to help keep our water pure.

“Everyone can help by keeping litter picked up and keeping grass, flowers and shrubs planted in bare areas to prevent erosion. Take care of our cars so they don't leak oil or gas and wash them at a car wash instead of in the driveway. Don't cut grass below 3 inches and clean up the clipping and any loose leaves so they don't go into the road. Don't use chemicals or fertilizers on your lawns. Be responsible for your pet and clean up its pet waste. Keep lids on household cleaners and chemicals and store them in a proper place. Recycle unused paints and other chemicals on Hazardous Waste Day. Practice the 3 R#s of reduce, reuse and recycle.

“Another thing that citizens can do is learn more about the watershed they live in and keep it clean because only 2 percent of the water on Earth is fresh and useable water.

“Thank you to the Auburn Education Foundation for the grant for our GPS units and to Ms. Brunet, Genesee teacher, for teaching us how to use them.

“Also to Mrs. Jensen and Ms. Krause from Cornell Cooperative Extension for visiting our school.”

Sincerely,

Fifth-grade students from Mrs. Dietsche and Ms. Rose's classes Genesee Elementary School

Renee Jensen is a community educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.