[SEMCO] Watershed Block Party!

[Muller, Joan (DCR)]

Hello, The annual Watershed Block Party at Waquoit Bay Reserve in East
Falmouth is happening this coming Tuesday from 3-7. Lots of fun
activities for kids but also lots of good information on coastal
research, renewable energy, ecological landscaping and more for adults.
Hope to see you there!

 

Joan Muller

Education Coordinator

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

508-457-0495 x107

 

Annual Watershed Block Party at Waquoit Bay!

 

The Waquoit Bay Research Reserve will host their annual Watershed Block
Party on Tuesday, August 2nd, from 3:00-7:00PM at the Reserve
Headquarters on Route 28 in East Falmouth.  Educators, scientists, and
volunteers from the Reserve and many other organizations will all be on
hand to greet visitors with activities and hands-on demonstrations for
the entire family.  

 

The day's festivities include touch tanks, estate tours, bay
explorations, native plant walks, an osprey watch, story time, and face
painting.  The Falmouth Fiddlers will provide music from five until
seven o'clock. There will be ample opportunity to talk to scientists
conducting research in the bay and observe water quality monitoring
demonstrations, algae growth, marine life, and other current studies.  

 

The Reserve's Education Coordinator pointed out there will be a big push
this year to provide opportunities for people to participate in
practical solutions to some of the challenges facing the Cape today.
"When we started this event several years ago, we said it was a chance
to learn about watersheds and estuaries, find out what you can do to
protect them, and meet your watershed neighbors. I think we've stayed
true to that original mission through the years, while providing
families with a fun afternoon. This year, we're placing even more
emphasis on the practical aspect of what people can do. So many people
really care about our coastal waters - we want to give them the
information they need to make a difference. While the children are
having fun learning about concepts in a general way, we'll have very
specific information and experts available for the adults." 

 

An entire section will be devoted to Cape-Friendly Landscaping which, at
press time, included these organizations, the Falmouth Friendly Lawn
Committee, Michael Talbot and Associates, and Mahoney's Garden Centers.
In the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Area, Cape and Islands
Self Reliance will be providing information on rebates for solar and
wind energy residential systems. Cape Light Compact will be able to sign
people up for green power options and free energy audits, as well as
showcase the latest available energy efficient lighting. Clean Energy
Design's renewable energy trailer and Greenpeace's "Rolling Sunlight"
van will provide electricity for the event by utilizing solar panels and
wind turbines. 

 

Other participants who will provide information and activities include
the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence, The Cape Cod
Botanical Club, Citizens for the Protection of Waquoit Bay, Cotuit
Solar, Friends of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, Mass Division of
Fisheries and Wildlife, Nature's Circle, the Sierra Club, and the Silent
Spring Institute. Upward Innovations will be demonstrating the latest in
wireless weather station technology while Cape Cod Community College
will offer information regarding its Environmental Science/Technology
and Renewable Energy programs. These are only a few of the groups
participating. 

 

Local businesses are contributing as well. Smitty's Ice Cream, and Ben
and Bill's Chocolate Emporium are donating ice cream and Kenyon's Market
will provide watermelons.  Guests are encouraged to bring along a picnic
dinner to enjoy on the bluff while visiting the Reserve.

 

Patrick Farah, the Volunteer Watershed Block Party Coordinator, affirms
that, "The Reserve's block party is significant in allowing the public
to gain awareness for our local environment by witnessing the diversity
that local organizations can provide. What makes this event special is
that everyone will have fun interacting with the environmental
community."

 

The event will take place rain or shine and there is no charge for
admission. For further information please call 508-457-0495 ext: 108.

 

 

 

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