WaterMarks WALK // Exploring the Hidden Blue/Green

MARCH 28, 2018
ACOSTA MIDDLE SCHOOL TO THE SCHOOL OF FRESHWATER SCIENCES

Leading a walk from Acosta Middle School to the School of Freshwater Sciences by way of Washington Street, South Ploycn Street and Greenfield Avenue, Melanies Ariens and Carmen Aguilar met with students, teachers and community members to facilitate a multifaceted exploration of the unseen green infrastructure in the neighborhood and its impact on water systems management. Students and community members learned how landscape choices and infrastructure help retain water and prevent runoff. Along the route walkers met artist Nova Czarnecki and viewed her mural which uses art to draw attention to local wildlife and celebrate Milwaukee as a water city. Ending the walk at SFS, students engaged in researching the aquaponics system and observed a quagga mussels science experiment that illustrated the impact of invasive species on Lake Michigan. Melanie then lead a hands-on activity where students used origami to create a pamphlet about the Great Lakes.