Creating A Ripple Effect: A World Water Day Celebration

Water is one of the most vital resources for all beings and has important cultural significance in many indigenous communities. In advance of World Water Day on March 22, join us for a fun and educational event, appropriate for learners of all ages, celebrating this precious gift.

Start the day with Matt Devine, a fisheries biologist with Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, who will accompany IAIS staff on a short hike down to the Shepaug River at neighboring Steep Rock Preserve. Learn about the purpose of his work and how to identify a healthy river ecosystem from a scientist with more than 12 years of experience sampling, studying, and enhancing fisheries. Participants will also gain insight on how local indigenous cultures have interacted with the environment, including water resources, throughout time.

In the afternoon, join our friends from the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition for an interactive presentation on the importance of vernal pools. What gifts do these springtime wetlands provide and what is their purpose within the local ecosystem? Find out which organisms will only use vernal pools to raise their young in a pop-up exhibit featuring an assortment of aquariums and terrariums.

End the afternoon by tapping into your creative side as you make a corn husk dragonfly with an IAIS educator. Learn about the significance of dragonflies in indigenous and scientific communities and why they are important indicators of healthy bodies of water. Stick around for storytime with IAIS Educator Irene Norman (Mohawk descent), who will be telling both traditional and contemporary Native American stories with connections to water.

Have a full day? Pack a lunch and participate in all activities. Throughout the day, there will also be self-guided educational activities related to water. Don’t forget to check out the traveling exhibit called Nebizun: Water is Life, curated by Vera Longtoe Sheehan (Abenaki), on display at the museum through the end of March.

Please note: For the morning portion of this program, participants should dress appropriately for the weather, including proper footwear for a short hike. Parts of the trail can be steep.

Morning Ticket: $12 for Non-Members, $8 for Members.
Afternoon Ticket: $12 for Non-Members, $8 for Members.

Space is limited for all activities, so pre-registration is requested. Please visit our website to register via Eventbrite. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call (860) 868-0518.

Register here

Partners: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition and Steep Rock Association