Early County News

GP Cedar Springs holds 13th annual Water Ways Festival


Early County Extension Agent Stephanie Benton talks about water conservation and quizzes students about the “water footprint” involved in producing various products.

Early County Extension Agent Stephanie Benton talks about water conservation and quizzes students about the “water footprint” involved in producing various products.

Georgia-Pacific Cedar Springs held its 13th annual Water Ways Festival at Kolomoki Mounds State Park on Thursday, Oct. 6. Approximately 300 students, teachers, presenters and volunteers participated.

Through Water Ways, Georgia-Pacific promotes environmental stewardship and helps young people understand ways they can help ensure a future with clean, abundant water. “Water is a precious resource, and it’s important that children are taught to value, protect and conserve it,” stated GP Public Affairs Manager Peggy Jaye.

During the event, volunteers at ten learning stations provided fun, interactive lessons to emphasize the many ways water impacts the earth and all living things. The Kolomoki park staff offered pontoon boat rides – a first-time experience for many of the children who attended Water Ways. Primary Care and LifeBrite Hospital staff taught how handwashing prevents sickness, and the Early County High School science department joined with Family Connection to teach students about water sanitation through a tasty edible aquifer activity. Georgia-Pacific employees presented a hands-on papermaking demonstration, pointing out how water is used wisely in mill processes.

GP forester Harold Cooley explains how pine cones release seeds that provide natural reforestation and how we harvest trees to protect waterways.

GP forester Harold Cooley explains how pine cones release seeds that provide natural reforestation and how we harvest trees to protect waterways.

“We appreciate Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to the environment and to education in our community,” stated Early County Elementary School fourth grade teacher Michelle Turner. “Water Ways is an enjoyable outdoor experience for our students, and it greatly enhances what they learn in the classroom about our environment and natural resources, especially water,” said Terri Lawrence, fourth grade teacher at Southwest Georgia Academy.

“As a Georgia-Pacific employee, I’m proud that my company values environmental stewardship and sponsors an event where I can help children understand the need to protect and conserve water,” said CSO environmental engineer Alex Thomas.

Other Water Ways station presenters included the Early County 4-H Extension, Flint River Quarium of Albany, Houston County Extension of Dothan, Early County School System, Maddox Memorial Library, WALB-TV of Albany, GP Wood & Fiber, Golden Triangle RC&D, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “We appreciate the many presenters and community volunteers who join with us to make Water Ways meaningful and successful,” stated Jaye.

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