As a result of a grant received from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Friends of St Catherine Creek Refuge have developed Wetland Wonders, a hands-on water quality workshop for area school children. Testing supplies and equipment were furnished with the grant money. A power point presentation was developed by key members of the Friends Group that will better orient children to the importance of water quality and conservation.

Children test water samples that are collected from various areas in the community. Tests performed by the children inlcude pH testing, water hardness, nitrates, phosphates, silica, and iron.

The goal of the Friends Group is to build an environmental education building on the refuge to hold workshops such as this. In the meantime, classes are being taught in the refuge conference room and in local schools.

If anyone is interested in participating in this workshop, please call the refuge office at (601) 442-6696 for scheduling information. The workshop is targeted towards junior high level, but can be adapted for most any grade level.