May 17, 2019
On Friday, May 17, around 1,200 fifth graders participated in Oakland University’s 13th annual Clinton River Water Festival. The students came from schools in the Clinton River Watershed community in Oakland County, and learned about the vital role that water and the Clinton River play within the region.
Employees from about 50 governmental and environmental organizations gave presentations on topics including storm water, water treatment, soil erosion, wetlands, creeks and streams, habitat, as well as sources of pollution.
According to Reginald McCloud, OU’s director of Pre-College Programs, more than 13,000 students have participated in the festival since it began in 2007.
“We look forward to putting on this event every year,” said McCloud, the festival’s lead organizer. “It’s an opportunity for fifth graders to learn about important environmental topics in an engaging and fun way. It not only encourages them to be good stewards of the environment, but also introduces them to a variety of environmental career paths.”
Along with Oakland University, this year’s event was sponsored by Pure Water Oakland, Waste Management, Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, City of Auburn Hills, Clinton River Watershed Council, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Sea Life.
For more information, visit the Clinton River Water Festival website.