Happy Earth Day!

OPEN IMAGE GALLERY

"If it's just rained, the river is more polluted - so don't get in!" (by Katherine Gregor)

A flock of teens descended on Hornsby Bend for some inspiring Earth Day field work. The environmental science students learned about the Colorado River and riparian ecology – including handling a tiger leech and other critters found in the water – at the cool site run by the Austin Water Utility. Where Dillo Dirt is made! Watching young folk wade into the river, measure water quality, and enthusiastically observe and study the natural world around them was a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.

Hey, today is gorgeous too - get outside and away from your computer!

The event was sponsored by the Center for Environmental Research and the Austin Youth River Watch (both at Hornsby Bend, which has great bird watching too). The students were from the LBJ Liberal Arts and Science Academy AP Environmental Science Class taught by Tim Fennell and Adrienne Fan.

Volunteers happy to spend a day in the beautiful outdoors mentored the teens and encouraged them to pursue environmental careers. Adult mentors came out from AWU, COA Watershed Protection, Austin Energy, LCRA, USGS, University of Texas, Trust for Public Land, and the Center for Maximum Potential Building … and the Austin Chronicle.