Robert F. Smith - Environmental Policy, Outreach/Education, & Research
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News About the Smith Ecology Lab

A little insight into what my Clean water institute colleagues and I and Lycoming Students do for environmental education using streams

7/6/2019

2 Comments

 
This video, produced by the PPL Corporation, was done to highlight the PPL Corp's generous support of environmental education performed by the CWI. Professor Emeritus, Mel Zimmerman of the CWI was the PI on the grant that allowed the purchase equipment to expand our ability to perform environmental education activities at the Waterdale Lodge. Environmental education at the Waterdale Lodge is a collaborative initiative between the CWI (and Lycoming College) and the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority. While I was not around when this initiative began, I am excited to support and help expand this ongoing collaboration that benefits school-age children in the area. The main goal is to develop stewardship and an appreciation for maintaining clean water for drinking, recreation, and biodiversity.
2 Comments
tophatters.co link
3/31/2026 08:48:04 am

This is such meaningful and impactful work.

There’s something powerful about teaching environmental responsibility *through direct experience*—getting students out into streams, letting them see, touch, and understand ecosystems firsthand. That kind of learning sticks in a way textbooks alone never can.

It’s also great to see collaboration between institutions, local authorities, and community support making this possible. Programs like this don’t just educate—they build a sense of ownership and stewardship in the next generation.

Clean water is something we all depend on, but not everyone gets the opportunity to truly understand where it comes from or how to protect it. Efforts like this help bridge that gap.

Really inspiring to see this kind of work continuing and growing.

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Jesscia link
3/31/2026 08:48:38 am

This kind of hands-on education is where real impact happens.

Getting students into natural environments like streams turns abstract ideas about conservation into something real and personal. It’s one thing to *hear* about clean water—it’s another to see how ecosystems function and understand your role in protecting them.

It’s also encouraging to see partnerships like this in action. When educators, local organizations, and community support come together, it creates opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

At its core, this isn’t just about science—it’s about shaping future stewards who value and protect the resources we all depend on.

Work like this truly matters.

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