"Nebraska's Greatest Treasure" was led by water education and outreach specialist Rachael Herpel of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Water Center, NURural Initiative, and UNL Extension and program manager Jamie Oltman of The Groundwater Foundation. It examined the science behind various issues related to our state’s abundant water resources, including groundwater, surface water, drought, and water conservation.
Herpel and Oltman, along with other water educators, helped visitors of all ages better understand how ground and surface water systems function and interact, as well as the impact they have on our lives. Visitors were able to visualize the groundwater cycle through demonstrations with 3-D flow models and other hands-on activities. A highlight was the 6-foot flow model dubbed the WATER (WAter, Teaching, Extension, and Research) Machine, made available by UNL Extension. Educators also discussed various surface water issues such as water run-off, flooding, and precipitation.
Museum visitors explored why water resources are important and what can be done to preserve them. Volunteers with Mayor Chris Beutler's Water Conservation Task Force were on-hand to provide fun, practical tips on how to conserve water. The Water Conservation Task Force serves as Lincoln’s Groundwater Guardian Team and is sponsored by the Lincoln Water System.
The UNL Water Center facilitates a wide range of interdisciplinary water and water-related research, teaching and outreach programming throughout Nebraska colleges and universities as a part of NU’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and within UNL’s School of Natural Resources. The Water Center has been a fixture at UNL for more than 40 years, being established by Congressional mandate in 1964. It is located at Hardin Hall on UNL’s East Campus.
The Groundwater Foundation works to educate people and inspire action to ensure sustainable, clean groundwater for future generations in Nebraska. Groundwater Guardian is a Foundation program that recognizes communities for their achievements in groundwater education and protection.
Mayor Chris Beutler's Water Conservation Task Force serves as Lincoln's Groundwater Guardian Team and is sponsored by the Lincoln Water System. Formed in 1988, the Task Force is made up of community volunteers who work to increase public awareness and adoption of water conservation practices.
