The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy’s ‘Floating Classroom” allows students to conduct experiments while floating on Green Lane reservoir.
The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy was recently awarded a $25,000 grant to help pay for an environmental education program.
Called “Floating Classroom Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program 2.0,” this year’s program takes place at Green Lane Park and provides environmental education, kayaking, and a floating science lab rolled into one incredible program geared towards developing real-world field skills in program participants. Students participate in courses that cover watershed science, aquatic communities, ornithology, geology and botany.
The Floating Classroom (also known as “Dragonfly I”) is a state-of-the-art science lab constructed on a reimagined 24-foot pontoon boat. The “classroom” is equipped with microscopes, iPads, WiFi, water quality testing supplies and other equipment that will aid students in their investigations.
The boat itself is equipped with a 10-horse electric motor which derives its power from four specially-configured solar panels, according to the Conservancy’s website.
“The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is a tremendous asset in our community, focusing on protecting our natural resources and educating our students on environmental stewardship, so I’m pleased they have been awarded this funding to support their education programming,” state Rep. Matt Bradford, D-70th Dist. said in a press release announcing the funding. “I also want to thank my friend Rep. Joe Webster for his passionate commitment to protecting and promoting the Perkiomen Watershed.”
“Securing this $25,000 R3 Education Grant from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is a tremendous win for the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy and our community,” Webster, D-150th Dist, said in the same press release.
“This grant will empower the conservancy to expand its educational programs, fostering a deeper appreciation for our local waterways and promoting responsible stewardship among residents. I want to applaud the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy for its efforts toward accessible and customizable programming and I’m proud to support initiatives that not only protect our natural resources but also enrich the educational experiences of our citizens, said Webster.
This state grant was funded by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s R3 (Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation) Education Grant Program, which supports education projects that foster interest in fishing and boating.
