Education Programming

Union SWCD offers several educational presentations and models for children of various ages. If you do not see something that fits your needs, give us a call and we can try to work something out!

Enviroscape - All Ages

The Enviroscape is a tabletop, hands-on, interactive display. There are three different models that can be used: Watershed/Nonpoint Source Pollution, Hazardous Materials, and Waste Management (Landfill & Recycling)

Watershed/Nonpoint Source Pollution

A demonstration of the sources and effects of water pollution. Easily demonstrate how storm water runoff carries pollutants through the watershed to a pond, lake, river, bay, or ocean – and the best management practices to prevent this type of pollution from occurring.

Hazardous Materials

Show what happens when hazardous materials/waste are improperly discharged, disposed or accidentally spilled &nash; & ways to clean up and prevent it. From underground storage tanks and illegal dumping to transportation and household/residential and commercial practices... & more!

Waste Management (Landfill & Recycling)

Depicts proper waste management practices & how their design prevents harm to the groundwater, surface water and air. Modern landfill design in contrast to old-style or illegal dumps. Explore modern landfill design in contrast to old-style or illegal dumps. 

Groundwater Simulator - Middle & High School

This simulator shows groundwater flow and contamination in sand and gravel aquifers typical of valley fill and/or glacial-deposit geologic settings.  The simulator shows the interaction between wells in unconfined and semi-confined aquifers, including interaction between ground and surface waters.  Wells are located at varying depths to simulate the various types of wells in use from a shallow homeowner well in an unconfined aquifer to a deep commercial well cased to a semi-confined aquifer.  Contamination plume flow is accurately simulated showing how some wells can become contaminated while others not contaminated.

Stream Table - All Ages

This display, the Streamulator, demonstrates stream systems, how they function, and the effects that humans can have on stream quality. Stream formation, bank erosion, deposition, and land use issues are concepts covered. Requires electricity!

The Lorax/Earth Day - For young children, but anyone can appreciate it!

In this Dr. Seuss book, children learn what happens when The Onceler’s greed takes too much from the forest of the beautiful Truffula Trees, affecting everything that depends on them. This environmental story is interactive and illustrates the interdependence of life and consequences of our behavior. Children enter into a Dr. Seuss tent with life-sized scenery and help to hang up characters and images from the story as it is being read. A crowd favorite!

Specialized Programming

We have worked with educators of local school districts to assist with some activities including chemical water testing and seining.

Passport to Fishing - All Ages

Passport to Fishing is a program developed by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, and the Division of Wildlife uses their curriculum as a beginning angler program. This program teaches skills, techniques, and information that allow any novice angler to start fishing. The program consists of educational stations focusing on hands-on participation in four areas. The stations cover the basics of angling in Casting, Fishing Knots and Rigging, Fish Habitat and Handling, and Local Information.

Outdoor Education Stations

Children can work on shooting skills in archery, slingshot, and pellet shooting.

Coloring Books

Want to learn about soil health and have fun at the same time? The US Department of Agriculture has created coloring books to teach kids about soil health! Click the links to download and print a free PDF copy, or contact our office to get physical copies!

The Adventures of Sammy Soil

Mighty Mini Microbe's Tale