Read the original article by Hearld Dispatch, written by Katelyn Aluise with photos by Sholten Singer.

HUNTINGTON — Wonders of Water, a summer camp sponsored by the National Youth Science Foundation, kicked off this week at the A.D. Lewis Community Center in Huntington.

This program is for students in grades 4-9 and introduces topics like stream ecology, aquatic life, green infrastructure, stormwater pollution and more. Students will learn how to identify aquatic life through hands-on activities and daily field trips to local water sources.

Each day lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch and snacks included, and the program runs through Friday, June 10.
So far, these young biologists have traveled to the Huntington Wastewater Treatment Plant, the floodwall, the Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area’s Hoeft Marsh and a few other locations, taking tours and learning about macroinvertebrates and fish.

Students have also learned about waterborne diseases and their own water-footprint.

Lessons and activities are organized daily by the lead educators Tomi Bergstrom, West Virginia Project W.E.T. coordinator; Thomas Aluise, youth program coordinator of West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection; and Carrie Denvir, stormwater program analyst of Huntington Stormwater Utility.