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Powhatan County programs win statewide awards for watershed education and community outreach
Summary
Powhatan won a VACO County Achievement Award for the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience and three VRPS awards for Parks & Recreation and the Community Matters initiative; county and school staff and program leaders described student-led instruction and outreach to older adults.
Powhatan County officials and program leaders celebrated statewide recognition for environmental education and community outreach during the Dec. 15 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Jeremy Bennett of the Virginia Association of Counties presented Powhatan with a County Achievement Award for the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience, a student-led program that brings fourth graders to Fighting Creek Park for hands-on watershed science taught by high school AP environmental science students.
"It is my distinct privilege to present Powhatan County with a VACO County Achievement Award," Bennett said, noting the competitive selection and that the award highlights programs that other localities may emulate.
School staff and the STEM coach described stations where students sample macroinvertebrates, use dichotomous keys to identify trees and learn about decomposition and watershed stewardship. The program has involved partners including Monacan Soil and Water and local master naturalists since 2018.
Powhatan Parks and Recreation and the Community Matters initiative also received three awards from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society. The county won for "most creative marketing" and "best new program" for the Capes Over Vapes youth anti-vaping campaign and received best marketing strategy recognition for the Community Matters Mobile Information Hub, a program that brings services to adults 55 and older.
Mary Ellen Freer, who coordinates Community Matters efforts locally, described the program’s focus on social connection and lifelong learning: "I just love Powhatan," she said, and encouraged residents to review the online calendar and participate.
What’s next: staff will share program materials and photos from the awards with VACO and VRPS and continue outreach and partnership activities locally.
