Boy Scouts Earn Merit Badges at OCWD
Boy Scouts not only learn about sports, camping and crafts, they experience a broad range of interests that could lead to future careers in business, science and the trades when they fulfill requirements to receive merit badges. There are more than 135 merit badges from which to choose. On February 11, 2017, 57 local scouts earned their Soil and Water Conservation merit badge during a clinic hosted by the Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) and Municipal Water District of Orange County.
OCWD Director Cathy Green and Chief Hydrogeologist Roy Herndon welcomed the Scouts and Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America Chair of Exploring, Patrick Brenden, who is also a city of Huntington Beach council member. The half day event was held at OCWD headquarters in Fountain Valley, Calif.
Herndon provided a soil and water conservation presentation that taught the Scouts about soil, soil erosion, watersheds, the hydrologic cycle, and water pollution, among other related topics. He then was joined by OCWD Communications Specialist Crystal Nettles and, together, they gave the Scouts a tour of the Groundwater Replenishment System, the largest advanced water purification project for potable reuse in the world. While waiting, the Scouts enjoyed the H2O Learning Center, an interactive, museum-like exhibit that tells the story of the District’s complex water management process and guests’ roles in keeping it safe for future generations.
OCWD, a leader in groundwater management and water reuse, is dedicated to the creation, promotion, and management of education and conservation programs for individuals and families throughout Orange County. They include a robust tour program of the GWRS and the annual Children’s Water Education Festival, the largest event in the nation that educates third, fourth and fifth grade students in Orange County, Calif. about water, the environment, and promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education in a fun and interactive way. The goal of OCWD’s water-use efficiency, outreach and education programs is to draw people’s attention to the state’s water needs and crises, teach them useful and simple ways to reduce water consumption, respect this natural resource, and have them make life-long commitments to conserving water.