“The Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District and its board have recognized that awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our streams and rivers,” said Jeff Thomas, director of Warren County SWCD.
In partnership with the Cincinnati Museum Center, SWCD built a 24-foot long, interactive water-themed educational trailer.
Visitors to the exhibit will walk through interactive stations while learning about the importance of water conservation.
“The technology is very innovative. Some of the displays are the first of their kind, that we know of, in Ohio,” said Amy Pond, SWCD education and marketing specialist. “Residents can learn about our water resources, facts about our streams and the life that lives in the streams. Also, they will learn that whatever we put on land could potentially one day not just harm habitat for animals, but also our drinking water.”
At a unique sand table, visitors can manipulate sand into landforms. Then motion-censored technology projects images onto the sand, showing waterways, topographic contour lines, rain and water movement.
At the “Water is Life” display, guests can use a touch screen to learn about the organisms living in streams and how each person plays a role in keeping streams healthy.
Another large display screen focuses on the need of water protection with push button facts about major rivers and watersheds.
The trailer is named after former SWCD board member Thomas C. Spellmire, who envisioned a traveling water conservation educational outreach, but died in July 2013 before his vision could be realized.
“Tom was a farmer that was passionate about protecting soil and water. Tom would speak to legislators, farmers and landowners, promoting practices that protect water quality. He also believed that good stewardship begins at a young age. He wanted kids to connect to nature and experience the need to conserve our natural resources,” Pond said. “Unfortunately, he passed away unexpectedly and did not get to see his vision completed. After two years of saving money, getting sponsors, writing grants and careful planning, our office has been able complete this project. The entire purpose of the exhibit is for folks to see that our groundwater, streams and rivers need to be protected. “
Spellmire was a second-generation family farmer in Warren County who dedicated his life to land and water conservation through sustainable farming practices, civic involvement and vision for education. Spellmire’s efforts gained local and national attention, including the “No Till Farmer of the Year” award, being featured in a “National Geographic” article about urban sprawl, and providing congressional testimony for United States House committees regarding his progressive ideas and practices.
“He was a driving force behind water quality educational programs for young people,” Pond said. “Spellmire was conscientious with his farming practices and was eager to share and promote them.”
The trailer will travel to area events like the Warren County Fair and Mason Bicentennial celebration, as well as visiting area schools.
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