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Earth Energy Day a Huge Success!

The Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority and the Wallkill River Watershed Management Group recently hosted their 12th annual Earth Energy Day Celebration at the SCMUA’s Recycling Facility in Lafayette.

Over 370 Sussex County K-5th grade students from Pope John Middle School, Wantage Elementary School, Hilltop Country Day School, Long Pond School, Hardyston Elementary School, and Lafayette Elementary School attended the event. Students rotated through a series of interactive stations led by USDA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), The Nature Conservancy, Sussex County Clean Communities, Eastern Propane, Cornerstone Environmental Group, Foam Cycle, SCS Engineers, and the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassador program. Every station provided information about environmental issues such as proper solid waste disposal, recycling, watershed management, alternative energy, protection of natural resources, and individual energy conservation practices. From planting U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seedlings in SCMUA compost to painting by number using soil-based paint to examining aquatic insects to determine water quality, each station used hands-on learning to enhance the students’ educational experience.

Additionally, to promote a sense of giving back to the community, a food drive for DASI was conducted as part of the event. In total, 460 lbs. of non-perishable food items were donated by participants, benefitting families throughout Sussex County.

Overall, the day was a tremendous success with all of the students leaving the SCMUA with a greater sense of how to protect the natural environment through active stewardship. The handwritten thank you notes received from students make it clear that this event is having a huge effect on young attendees that will continue year after year!