June 4, 2015
Blanco Middle School
(Bee Cave, TX) Managers of the Rainwater Revival school grant program
were happily overwhelmed with 13 terrific grant applications from Hill
Country schools this year. Though all projects had merit, the three
judges made difficult choices and picked six deserving schools to
receive $1,000 awards each.
“Judging by the quantity and quality of proposals for rainwater
catchment and water conservation projects this year, it’s clear that
teachers and schools are putting a priority on helping students learn
the value of water as an important shared resource,” said Karen Ford,
who leads the Rainwater Revival event for the Hill Country Alliance.
The
Rainwater Revival is a daylong educational event that
takes place every fall amidst a festival-like atmosphere at a Hill
Country venue. It brings together knowledgeable speakers,
demonstrations, products, music, food and children’s activities to help
citizens and businesses learn how to harvest rainwater for beneficial
use.
At each year’s
Revival, the ever-popular rain barrel art
auction generates funds for the school grant program. The art barrels
are 55-gallon drums turned in to functional works of art by Hill Country
artists and high school art classes who volunteer their time and
talent. Since it started in 2010, the Rainwater Revival art barrel
auction and grant program have funded 19 schools for rainwater capture
and water conserving projects.
“Designing, constructing and maintaining water conservation projects
brings together math, science, economics and an early appreciation for
conserving our precious natural resources,” said Christy Muse, executive
director for Hill Country Alliance. “We are so grateful to know these
teachers, parents, garden clubs and others are dedicated to teaching our
young people how to capture and use rainwater and why it’s important to
know and care about water.”
2015 grants were awarded to:
Blanco Middle School (Blanco ISD): Seventh grade
science and ecology teacher, Pam Meier, submitted the winning request to
fund a 2,500 gallon rainwater catchment tank that will be used to water
the school’s gardens. The project will benefit all 280 students in the
middle school as the gardens provide locally grown food for the school
cafeteria, and it will enhance learning in math, science, art, and
language arts.
Clifton Career & Development High School (Austin
ISD): This high school offers career and technical training for special
education students, and their winning project to capture rain with a
new 2,500 gallon tank will become part of the Horticulture curriculum
managed by teacher, Clayton Vader.
Dawson Elementary (Austin ISD): Fourth grade
teacher, Chelsa Capers, plans to bring rainwater harvesting to the
school/community gardens on their campus to the benefit of all 345
students who will receive numerous science lessons involving the water
cycle, natural resources, and conservation.
Dripping Springs High School (Dripping Springs ISD):
High school junior, Elena Lundeen, is the driver behind this project to
place a rainwater catchment tank inside the school’s 6,000 square foot,
open air courtyard to water trees, raised beds and grass, thus reducing
the school’s usage of expensive treated water for plant life and
promoting sustainable technologies.
Magnolia Montessori for All (Austin charter
school): The school’s substantial gardens will be irrigated by a
rainwater harvesting system funded by the grant. Garden coordinator,
Nashielly Stein, will help the school’s 300 students, who work in the
gardens daily, with lessons in science, nutrition, art, the importance
of water conservation, and reducing potable water use.
Marble Falls High School (Marble Falls ISD):
Students participating in the High School Horticulture Program will
design, implement and operate a rainwater harvesting system to support
the organic and aquaponic growing systems in the school’s greenhouses.
Mike Chesnut, MFHS Horticulture teacher, will oversee the project.
A full copy of the 2015 winning grant requests and information on past winners can be found at:
www.rainwaterrevival.com.
The Rainwater Revival is an annual celebration of collection,
conservation and common sense. The free event is sponsored by the Hill
Country Alliance, and the next event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7,
2015, at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. For more information: www.rainwaterrevival.com.
The Hill Country Alliance is a nonprofit organization
whose purpose is to raise public awareness and build community support
around the need to preserve the natural resources and heritage of the
Central Texas Hill Country. Visit us at www.hillcountryalliance.org.
