The workshops enhance understanding of the vulnerability of water resources in a sensitive geologic setting. The project promotes and facilitates the adoption of decisions and practices at the local government and community levels, aiming to protect the environment and human health in these vulnerable areas. The project starts a self-sustaining process of collaboration, information sharing and decision making. Included in the workshop is a half-day fieldtrip to nearby sites where karst geology and hydrogeology are apparent, as well as sites where karst problems are occurring and sites where problems have been remedied. Through this grant, the Prairie Ecology Center's Ecology Bus will be available to approximately 1,500 students in grades 4-12 and their teachers.
Naturalists use the bus to transport students from their schools to nearby natural areas.
Educators teach about aquatic systems, including information on the water cycle and water quality. The program can be easily duplicated throughout Minnesota and in other states. The project will promote recycling and make recycling information available to St. Paul's Hmong and Hispanic communities. Approximately 35,000 residents will have access to this outreach information.