Congresswoman Gwen Moore, high schoolers

celebrate Earth Day at GLWI

Posted: April 21, 2009

Congresswoman Gwen Moore encourages high school students to consider "green" careers during an Earth Day event at GLWI.

Students from Hamilton and Riverside high schools celebrated Earth Day by visiting the Great Lakes WATER Institute (GLWI) to learn about Great Lakes protection and freshwater job opportunities.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore, representing Wisconsin's 4th congressional district, kicked off Tuesday's event by encouraging students to consider "green" careers.

"Were hoping that this visit at the WATER Institute will give you guys some ideas about what to do with your futures and how to find opportunities and careers in loving the environment," Moore told the students.

Jay Salinas, co-director of Growing Power, Milwaukee's only urban farm, followed up with an overview of sustainable fish farming and opportunities in local food production.

Students then met GLWI scientists and staff during a tour of the facility. Stops on the tour included research labs where the students learned about invasive quagga mussels, carbon cycling in Lake Michigan, aquaculture, environmental health, and aquatic technology. They also visited GLWI's instrument shop, where machinists custom build research equipment.

This year marks the 39th annual Earth Day, which was founded in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin.

 

Left: GLWI director Val Klump talks to students about the importance of our water resources. Right: Scientist Tom Consi explains how buoys collect data about Lake Michigan.

–Jennifer Yauck