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000195 Two LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO BENEFIT FROM REClAMATION GRANTS The Bureau of Reclamation's Western Colorado Area Office recently awarded grants to the newly opened Children's Museum in Durango, Colorado and to the Bayfield High School in Bayfield, Colorado. The grants were funded thtough the Water Management and Conservation Field Services Program and the money will be used to educate both today's and tomorrow's water users on the efficient use of our water resources. t t~ ~'_ ," ':rot.o.. Pat Page (WMC Coordinator) presents a "large check" from Reclamation to the students, faculty, and administration of Bayfield High School for the construction of the Xeriscope and Wise. Water Use Demonstration Project. The Children's Museum received $7,000 for the construction of "The Watershed", an interactive, hands- on exhibit based on the overall themes of water management and watershed education. The exhibit is designed to educate children on a variety of water-related issues. "The different components of The Watershed will enable children to have fun and enjoy themselves, while at the same time teach them valuable lessons about water and water-related resources", said Paul Wilbert, a member of the museum's board of directors. In addition to being a funding partner, Reclamation will be able to use the exhibit to host presentations and complement its education outreach program. The museum is located at 802 E. 2nd Avenue and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Bayfield High School was awarded $20,000 for a xeriscape and wise water use demonstration project. The landscaping will consist of native and drought-tolerant plants, organic and inorganic mulches, and a state-of-the-art sprinkler system, and will be the foundation for the school's Outdoor Living Classroom Project. The Xeriscape Project will include a trail connecting to the town's existing trail system, allowing community members easy access to the site. Along the trail will be interpretive signs listing plant types, planting tips and other educational material. Students, faculty, and community members will be involved in the design, construction and maintenance of the project. In addition, the school will host lectures, tours, and community workshops on efficient landscaping and other water management and conservation techniques with the goal being to increase public awareness on efficient use of water. According to Pat Page, Water Management Coordinator for Reclamation's Dutango Office, Reclamation's involvement in the school's project was the result of good timing. "We were looking for a location for a xeriscape demonstration project that would be accessible and highly visible to the public, and a partner who would be active in promoting the idea of good water management. The fact that we're helping out the school and the community realize their bigger "Outdoor Living Classroom" project, is just another bonus of this program. It's a win-win situation for the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bayfield community." WATER FESTIVAL SEASON REACHES AREA SCHOOL KIDS Water District Participates in Three Area Water Fairs for Kids The Water Information Program, sponsored by the Southwestern Water Conservation District, participated in three water fairs for school children this past March and April. In March, the Water Information Program presented a brief water history and geography program at the water fair sponsored by the Dolores Water Conservancy District. The one day program for 5th graders in the Cortez area was held in conjunction with the Ag Expo, held annually at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. Later in April, the water district was the prime sponsor of the Water Fest, held annually at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. The Southwestern Water Conservation District has sponsored the Water Fest for the past three years, and the Water Information Program has assisted with teacher resources, information and public relations. Finally, in late April, the Water Information Program participated in the San Juan Basin H20 Fair, held annually at the San Juan County, New Mexico fairgrounds. Co-sponsored by the San Juan Water Commission and the San Juan Extension Service, the H20 Fair is well attended by 5th and 6th grade classes from throughout northwestern New Mexico. Over 2,500 5th and 6th grade students attended the three water fairs, and the Water Information Program was able to provide information and brochures on water in the Fout Corners region. For more information on the water fair programs, call Mary Fenwick at (970)247 -1302. 3