From KAEE's 2016 Sustainability Symposium, Heather Mayfield of the Foundation for Ohio River Education presents, Counting Critters Using the WaterQuality App.

1. Education empowers communities to value and protect their watersheds. The
Foundation for Ohio River Education teaches people of all ages in the Ohio River
Basin to become environmental stewards through hands-on programs that get
people on the water and engaged in preserving the cultural, ecological, and
economic value of our rivers.

2. “America is a great
story, and there is
a river on every
page of it!”
-Charles Kuralt

3. An Amazing Resource…
•The Ohio River is a source of drinking
water for more than five million people.
•More than 25 million people, almost
10 percent of the U.S. population, live in
the Ohio River Basin.
•Approximately 150 species of fish have
been collected from the Ohio River.
•There are 20 dams and 49 power
generating facilities on the Ohio River.
•Over 230 million tons of cargo are
transported on the Ohio River each year.

4. A River is the Report Card
for its Watershed
-Alan Lever, Connecticut DEP

5. River Research, Education
and Adventure Charters
 Exciting, interactive river cruises
where students conduct chemical,
physical, and biological monitoring
of the river!
 Programs designed for elementary
(grades 4 and 5), middle, and high
school students.
 Programs are rooted in STEM
disciplines and expose students to
techniques scientists use in the
“real world” to protect our water
resources!

6. River REACH- Pre-Voyage
 High school curriculum includes Riverwatchers Program water
testing certification, field training for teachers, and pre-voyage
activities.
 Elementary and middle school curricula include Enviroscape
presentations by FORE and community partners.

8. Water Sampling

9. Fish Assessment/Go Fish!

10. Water Quality/
Rate Your River!

11. Ecological Impacts/
Planktomania!

13. Common
themes run
through it…

14. 85% 79% 21%

15.  “I don’t have any suggestions or comments for improving the program
because it was perfect. It was the best field trip ever.” -Student, Covedale
Elementary School
 “I absolutely LOVED our trip this year! The instructors were great, as always.
I truly appreciate how knowledgeable they are in their field….Most
importantly, [my students] learned so many valuable lessons that just cannot
be taught in a classroom setting.”- Teacher, Community Christian Academy
 “I learned more today than I did in three years.” -Student, Community
Christian Academy
 “Honestly, this is by far one of the best programs that our region has to offer.
You should be proud, this field trip is my children’s favorite…..We appreciate it
as an opportunity for hands-on learning.” –Parent

16. OHIO RIVER S.T.E.M.
INSTITUTE
A University-Community Partnership Bridging STEM Disciplines with
Environmental Stewardship

17. Water Quality Training for STEM Fellows

18. River Currents- Professional Development

19. Pond Scum Workshop
Boone, Campbell and Kenton Conservation Districts

20. Summer Science Sampler
Fun with Science Camp

27. WaterQuality
for iPhone and iPad