The Peru Gazette

The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program, Champlain Centre, Champlain Watershed Improvement Coalition of New York, and NEIWPCC welcome the public to celebrate World Water Day on Saturday, March 21, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh, New York. This event is hosted in partnership with the Champlain Basin Education Initiative (CBEI).

Mall guests can view a gallery of student art, media and writing that celebrates the waters of the Lake Champlain Basin. More than 30 scientists, historians, artists, and other water quality experts will be on hand to share their work and answer questions. 

Visitors of all ages will be able to learn about water quality and ecosystem concerns that affect water bodies in our region through a variety of activities and exhibits. Visitors can:

• Explore how rivers flow and streambanks erode during flood events through a hands-on model.

• Complete quests on a giant Lake Champlain watershed floor map.

• See fly tying demonstrations by expert Trout Unlimited anglers.

• Learn how a small fish poses a major threat to Lake Champlain.

• Explore lake and soil-friendly lawn care practices.

• Use microscopes to examine aquatic insects

“We are excited to return to the Champlain Centre alongside many partners in celebration of World Water Day,” said Stephanie Larkin, Outreach Specialist for the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program and NEIWPCC. “These organizations work hard year-round to improve water quality, steward ecosystems, interpret our region’s history, and expand access to recreation across the Lake Champlain watershed. We all look forward to this celebration of our shared waters.”

World Water Day was initiated in 1993 to draw attention to the issues and threats surrounding the world’s water resources. CBEI has been hosting a local World Water Day Celebration for more than a decade to share student work about water resources from more than a dozen classrooms. Champlain Centre has helped expand the event by providing a large display space and inviting more public participation and partners into the celebration.

For further information about the event, contact Stephanie Larkin, Lake Champlain Basin Program at slarkin@lcbp.org or call 802-372-3213.