As has been the case for years, about 3,000 third-graders and 120 teachers descended on one of the Henry County Water Authority’s facilities over a two-week period for what has become the organization’s largest community educational outreach.

  The annual field trips to the Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center in Locust Grove have become an integral part of the third-grade curricula for the county’s public school system. In partnership with the Board of Education, Board of Commissioners, and various local volunteers and organizations, the event gives students some hands-one experiences that are key to their learning while also encouraging appreciation of natural resources. The HCWA also uses the program to raise awareness among young people its role in the community.

  “The outdoor field trips foster opportunities for all third graders to learn about their environment, while interacting with the community and district level leaders,” said Kaneice Bembry, the district’s science coordinator. “This educational partnership serves to enhance learning experiences, as students apply what is taught in the classroom setting to the Cubihatcha’s diverse habitat of various types of native plants and animals. The end result is a relevant, meaningful and memorable learning experience.”

  The HCWA Cubihatcha Center began hosting field trips for Henry County students in 2003. To date, an estimated 46,000 students have participated.

  This year the students participated in outdoor activities and lessons on topics such as: Native Wildlife Habitats, Bee Apiaries, the Life of a Tree, Watershed Enviroscape, Watershed Pollution, Sediment in the Streams, Fish of the Reservoir, FOG (fats, oils and grease) Relays, H2O Olympics/Water Striders, The Water Cycle, Gardening and Harvesting, Fire Prevention, Electric Safety and Friction, the Water Treatment Process, the Waste Water Process, and more.

  “Everyone involved here is friendly and children-oriented, so I think my students learn that education can be fun when you apply lessons to daily life,” said Stockbridge Elementary School teacher Shaunte Strong. “I think that they’ll remember this positive experience for years to come.”

  Cotton Indian Elementary School teacher Sarah Nelms noted that her students love the opportunity to come to the center.

  “The activities here align perfectly with what they are learning in the classroom, especially on topics such as pollution and conservation,” she said. “And everything is extremely hands-on and enjoyable.”

  Eileen Butts, also a teacher at Cotton Indian Elementary, pointed out the practical experience that is gained from activities at the site.

  “I’ve been bringing my students on these field trips for many years,” she said. “I see how much they love the activities, especially in learning how to keep the environment clean. Like how they learn not to put grease down the drain because of the damage it can cause. I really appreciate the Henry County Water Authority for providing these experiences.”