Educating Future Lake Stewards
Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is building a robust K–12 education initiative to connect local students with the science and stewardship of protecting Seneca Lake. Our goal is to inspire curiosity, responsibility, and a lifelong connection to clean water and healthy ecosystems.
Programs
In-School Learning
Our classroom-based programs are designed to help students understand how their environment—and their actions—impact the health of Seneca Lake. Topics include: The water cycle and how water moves through our landscape, stormwater and its journey from rainfall to lake, and how we can all take steps to protect local water quality.
We’re currently partnering with area schools to bring lessons into third and fourth grade classrooms, with plans to expand to fifth grade and beyond. Programs are interactive and tailored to the science curriculum, and we provide trained volunteers and materials at no cost to the school.
Community Engagement
In addition to school programs, we participate in local education events and fairs—bringing hands-on activities to kids of all ages. From learning about aquatic invasive species to crafting their own “zebra mussels” and “round gobies,” these events help students connect with lake science in creative and memorable ways
Education Program Q&A
We’re starting small—with third and fourth graders—and building toward a long-term vision of offering programming in every elementary school across the Seneca Lake watershed. Modeled on successful efforts in other Finger Lakes communities, this initiative will grow year by year with help from teachers, volunteers, and supporters who care about clean water and local education.
We welcome teachers, schools, volunteers, and donors who want to help expand this impactful program. Whether you’re interested in bringing this to your classroom, volunteering for an event, or supporting the program financially, we’d love to connect and explore how we can work together to inspire the next generation of lake stewards. Click here to volunteer.
Our sessions are led by a mix of Pure Waters staff and trained volunteers with a passion for environmental education. We partner closely with teachers to align with school goals and make the lessons both engaging and grade-level appropriate.
Students learn about the water cycle, the journey of stormwater, the impact of pollution, and the importance of protecting local water resources. Sessions often include hands-on activities and local examples that help students connect their learning to their everyday surroundings.
