
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced many events and activities to be cancelled or switched to an online format and for good reason. Traditional schooling for many students in the watershed has moved online fully or in a hybrid of online and limited in-person teaching. Most afterschool activities on school grounds have been cancelled indefinitely. Sadly, because of this there is a dearth of opportunities for extracurricular activities around most subjects, though especially science education. While the concern about the safety of in-person education is warranted, there are ways to hold in-person education that reduces the risk of exposure to the virus. In an effort to provide alternative program opportunities and to get students safely engaged in a stream-based and watershed curriculum, AWSMP has relaunched our popular Watershed Detectives Program with added safety features.
Watershed Detectives has traditionally been an afterschool program held at the Bennett Intermediate School in Boiceville for grades 4–6. This year, instead of being held on school grounds the program is being offered at the Ashokan Center in nearby Olivebridge, NY and for students in grades 4–8. Holding the program at the Ashokan Center allows for good physical distancing between students and access to the Ashokan Center’s numerous trails, streams and forests for learning and discovery. Several safety protocols have been put in place along with strict sanitation procedures to reduce the possibility of infection. While the location has changed the same great programming is taking place where students will learn about the importance of streams, watersheds, and riparian areas.
“It has definitely been a challenge getting this year’s program up and running, but we have a solid plan in place in an effort to keep things running smoothly,” says Matt Savatgy, AWSMP Youth Educator and leader of the Watershed Detective’s Program. “The kids are really enjoying being together, outdoors with their friends and are actively engaged in learning to become stewards for our watershed.”
Currently, the program is full. However, AWSMP hopes to have more youth and adult programs in the coming months. Please regularly check our webpage for upcoming events and programs offered both online and in-person.
