Greetings!  

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

FOR MS4s, WATERSHED GROUPS, & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATORS

Join with the URI Outreach Center in Fun Environmental Education

At Farmer's Markets in Your Community

This summer, the URI Outreach Center will be visiting local Farmer's Markets throughout Rhode Island to present to the public the EnviroScape� Watershed Model, a fun educational tool that is part of our RI Stormwater Solutions outreach.

The EnviroScape� Model is a colorful table-top model widely used to help kids from age 5 to 95 visualize the sources of pollution.  Through hands-on interaction with the model, the audience can grasp the concept of a watershed and learn about simple steps they can take to reduce their stormwater impact to improve local water quality.

 Get the Word Out About Your Stormwater Activities

MS4s: This is an opportunity to provide required stormwater education in your community in an upbeat way at a popular local venue!

Environmental Educators: Here is an opportunity for your watershed organization to publicize your programs while educating the community about stormwater pollution and water quality impacts!

This is an opportunity for your watershed organization to complete model training as well as establish a presence at area markets with a wide audience, learn how to use the watershed model, and borrow it to present at any other venue.

Volunteers Needed to Showcase Display

Stormwater Solutions has one student staffer dedicated to this project and are currently booking its display use at local Farmer's Markets. But we need your help to make this work and reach markets throughout the state from now through fall.

Most important - URI Outreach staff needs volunteers to assist at the display table with URI. Volunteers will observe and learn by doing. It's a great opportunity to have fun, socialize and get publicity for your town or watershed group.

Opportunities for Co-Sponsors

The URI Outreach Center is seeking co-sponsors to help implement this initiative in summer and fall 2011 as well as to continue the program in 2012 and beyond.

Co-sponsors will be able to:

• Spread the word among local boards and commissions, teachers and school groups to help support your efforts locally, and involve them by seeking volunteers to share the display with URI for one or two hours at a time.
• Work with URI to seek media coverage of the market events in your community.
• Provide an opportunity for your municipality or organization to publicize your programs - we encourage you to bring your own displays, pamphlets, etc.
• Borrow the model for your school programs. The model will be available to you and other educators, including classroom teachers, through the URI Outreach Center all year long.