BY GLENDA CLAYTON
PARRY SOUND - Parry Sound area students are more water savvy after attending the Georgian Bay Water Festival.  This annual festival was held on May 17 at Killbear Provincial Park and over 120 junior grade students from William Beatty, Nobel and Victory Public school attended.
The festival brings students together to spend a fun, educational day learning about water ecology and conservation. All 10 activities are designed to meet the Ontario school curriculum.  The activities help students become more aware of how water is used in their home, classroom and community.
“I really like the fact that we are building awareness among young people that freshwater is a precious resource,” said festival co-coordinator Graham Poole and Parry Sound High School teacher. “Many kids don’t realize this because we are so lucky to live in a place where we’ve got so much water around us.  I think it’s important for kids to realize that we are fortunate to live where we do and that as a result we have a responsibility to practice stewardship, both in the context of water use, but also water quality.”
Parry Sound High School student volunteers were key to this successful event; some were activity leaders while others helped guide the groups to their stations.  These student leaders also learned about water issues as they prepared to guide the activities.  
“It is exciting to see our young adults taking on a teaching role and doing it very responsibly and enthusiastically,” said Poole.  “The result is an excellent day of learning and fun for the elementary students and positive connections between teenagers and younger kids.”
Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve staff and the festival steering committee thank all our partners that help make this event successful. We are grateful for the financial support of the Friends of Killbear, Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council and the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network.
Water-wise Tip
Check how much your family uses and compare to the Canadian average. Go to the web site http://goblue.zerofootprint.net/ for a quick one minute calculation chart.  Then challenge your family to become below average.