Syracuse, NE Girl Scouts Participate in Legislative Breakfast

Today Syracuse Girl Scout Cadette Troop 20021 participated in the Wellhead Protection Network Legislative Breakfast. The Wellhead Protection Network Legislative breakfast provides Network members the opportunity to talk to Nebraska State senators about their concerns with the state’s groundwater issues and it allows the senators to learn about groundwater protection activities taking place in Nebraska.

The troop did a lot of hard work in order to prepare for this event! About a month ago, the girls met at The Groundwater Foundation and learned all about where groundwater comes from, some of the threats groundwater faces, and ways to protect and conserve groundwater.  In the weeks following their meeting at The Groundwater Foundation, the girls researched groundwater more in depth and designed a display to show at the breakfast.  The girls also created their own video showing how pollution can travel through an aquifer.  They were the hit of the breakfast! Many senators stopped by and the girls shared their concerns and perspectives on the state’s water issues.  The girls received many complements for all their hard work and even had some requests to help out with future environmental events!

If your troop would like to participate in future events like this, contact The Groundwater Foundation at 402-434-2740 or email us at girlscouts@groundwater.org.

 

Upcycled Conservation Flowers

Upcycling is a fun, new trend that helps protect the environment by reusing items that may have previously been thrown away. Reusing an item keeps it from ending up in a landfill where it may take millions of years to decompose. Upcycled Conservation Flowers are made out of plastic water bottles and each petal represents an easy way to help conserve and protect groundwater! 

Find out how to make them below!

Girl Scouts showing off their Upcycled Conservation Flowers!

Materials:

• Empty plastic water bottle
• 8 different colored acrylic paints
• Paint brush
• Hole punch
• String
• Wood stick (optional)
• Glue
• Sequins, beads, paper, glitter, or gems

Instructions:

1. Clean your plastic water bottle. Remove any plastic labeling from the outside.
2. Cut your water bottle in half. Recycle the bottom half of your bottle.
3. Cut eight petals by cutting from the middle of the bottle towards the cap. Make sure to cut all the way to the edge of the cap. Round the edges.
4. Press the petals out and flatten them to make your bottle look like a flower.
5. Paint each petal a different color to represent the different ways to protect and conserve groundwater. Add glitter for fun!
6. Cover the cap with beads, gems, sequins, paper, or paint to represent the pistil/stamen.
7. Use a paper hole punch and string to make your flower an ornament or use a wooden stick and glue to create a decorative flower for potted plants.

Ways to Protect and Conserve Groundwater:

Go Native

Use native plants in your landscape. They look great, and don't need much water or fertilizer.

Reduce Chemical Use

Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard, and make sure to dispose of them properly - don't dump them on the ground!

Don't Let It Run

Shut off the water when brushing your teeth, and don't let it run while waiting for it to get cold. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead!

Fix the Drips

Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps for leaks and fix them right away.

Shower Smarter

Limit yourself to just a five minute shower, and challenge your family members to do the same!

Water Wisely

Water plants during the coolest parts of the day and only when they truly need it. Make sure you, your family and neighbors obey any watering restrictions.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Reduce the amount of "stuff" you use and reuse what you can. Recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and other materials.

Learn More!

Get involved in water education! Learn more about groundwater by checking out the Let's Keep It Clean patch program at www.groundwater.org/girlscouts.html.