The teachers will learn what watersheds are and their role in ocean water quality and the greater environment. Included are education on the properties of water, waterborne diseases, urban run-off pollution, and how small aquatic animal populations indicate water quality. Teachers will also learn hands-on classroom projects for their students and gain access to program models and materials. We are focusing activities on urban runoff, because every year nationwide 350 million gallons of used motor oil are discarded in storm drains, waterways and soil, said Maris Sidenstecker, a workshop leader who works with the Sanctuary s Water Quality Protection Program. This is 30 times greater than the largest oil spill.
Education is the key for making positive change beginning with students.
The first workshop will be co-led by Wendy Ward of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Monterey Bay Aquarium supports the education of teachers because it is a vital link to the next generation of caretakers, Ward said. Watershed conservation is important to the overall health of the diverse habitats of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Although space may be limited for Saturday s workshop, the media is welcome to attend. A second workshop will be held in Santa Cruz during the fall.