Ecosystem Service Civic-minded Solutions
Overall Estimated Time:
Activity 1: Mock Watershed Community Meeting
Activity 2: Blog Article
Introduction
The condition of estuaries can be connected to the ecological services that have been been compromised or reduced by causes such as land use within the watershed. Many of the specific environmental concerns within our estuaries such as; nutrient levels, decline in submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and sediment load, may be addressed by increasing the public’s understanding of the importance of ecological services. Targeted restoration of ecosystems that would improve ecological functioning,paired with modifications to human activity, could result in a healthier bay system.
Investigation Overview
Students will be presented with a fictional proposal for development of a marina. Representing a special interests group, students will develop an opinion position statement which they will present at a mock community meeting. A vote will take place to either accept or throw out the proposal.