Hydro Heroes

A Youth Leadership Adventure

Hydro Heroes: 2006
For youth between the ages of 10-15, Hydro Heroes was a fun two-day adventure of experience-based water education that showcases everyday heroes protecting the environment. Hydro Heroes was held November 18-19, 2006, in Eastern Nebraska. The whirlwind weekend began and ended in Aurora, Nebraska, after making stops in Seward, Gretna, Rising City and Omaha.

The program included discovering cool science tricks at Edgerton Explorit Center, hearing about real-life water heroes including Nebraska's Maurice Kremer, seeing how a drinking water treatment plant is cleaning nitrate contaminated water, touring the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium at Schramm State Park, an up-close look at irrigation techniques at a working farm, and getting locked-in for a sleep-over inside the world famous Henry Doorly Zoo. The weekend also included hands-on activities and presentations from a wide variety of heroic water scientists, biologists and other professionals.

Hydro Heroes gave students a unique opportunity to network with fellow peers and environmental professionals, become exposed to a variety of view points and career paths, participate in hands-on experiments and workshops, and increase their understanding of the environment and water resources.

Prior to attending the Hydro Heroes, students were asked to investigate water issues in their community and be prepared to participate in informal discussions on these issues during the event. Following the Hydro Heroes, students were asked to complete a follow-up report or project with adult mentors or other youth in their community. The purpose behind these activities was to develop proactive teens who educate their communities about water resources, thus creating a population of motivated citizens.

Students from across the nation were invited to participate in the two day event. The Groundwater Foundation staff, experienced camp counselors, and environmental professionals mentored the students throughout the program.

Hydro Heroes was sponsored by Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Attorney General Jon Bruning - Environmental Protection Fund, and Bureau of Reclamation - Nebraska/Kansas Area Office.