Oakland University Clinton River Water Festival poised to celebrate milestone year

As spring enters full bloom, Oakland University is preparing to make a splash at its annual Clinton River Water Festival. The event teaches fifth-grade students from Clinton River watershed community schools in Oakland County about the vital role that water plays in the region. This year’s festival will take place from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Friday, May 15 on OU’s campus.

Through a variety of interactive presentations and activities, students will learn about water-related topics, including storm water, wastewater treatment, soil erosion, wetlands, creeks and streams, habitat and sources of pollution. The event is entering its ninth year and continues to draw a steady stream of students to OU’s campus. With more than 1,000 fifth-graders expected at this year’s festival, organizers expect to celebrate the milestone of hosting 10,000 students since the event began in 2007.

“When we hosted the first water festival, we had no idea this event would achieve this level of success, taking 10,000 fifth-graders on an environmental, educational journey,” said Reginald McCloud, director of OU’s Pre-College Programs. “I am absolutely thrilled with the school districts, the professional community and Oakland University for their continued support of this event, which has given so much to the future stewards of the Clinton River Watershed and the environment as a whole.”

The event will offer indoor and outdoor sessions led by professionals from government agencies, nonprofits and natural resource groups, along with Oakland University student volunteers. Kendra Agee, an OU graduate student, will be among the presenters at this year’s festival.

“This will be my third volunteering as a presenter for the festival, and every year has been a fun-filled experience,” Agee said. “The fifth-graders are always so excited to learn about the importance of water and what they can do to stop water pollution.”

Agee also expressed appreciation to the OU Provost’s Office, which sponsors a scholarship student presenters can use to purchase books.

Festival sponsors include OU’s Pre-College Programs, the OU Office of the Provost, Clinton River Watershed Council, City of Auburn Hills, Waste Management, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, and principal sponsor Pure Oakland Water, a state non-profit founded by Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash.

To learn more about the Clinton River Water Festival, contact Reginald McCloud at (248) 370-3203 orrjmcclou@oakland.edu. Visit the festival’s website at oakland.edu/clintonriverwaterfestival.