MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University will host the third annual Four Rivers Watershed Sustainability Festival from April 2–6, serving as a week-long celebration of local water resources and the efforts being made to maintain them.
Of special interest during the festival will be two showings of the movie “DarkWater”, which explores the local economic and ecological impact of Asian Carp. It will be shown Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5. Also on Friday, April 5 will be a presentation by DarkWater producer Glenn Hall and biologists from the region to learn more about Asian Carp and the impact it is having in the region.
The western Kentucky region has a wealth of water resources that supply invaluable benefits for our local economy and communities. These resources also provide a foundation for unique educational opportunities and conservation efforts. The Four Rivers Watershed Sustainability Festival grew from the need for continued engagement in protecting our water resources and will set the precedent for future endeavors in the area.
The event began as a one-day educational summit in 2017 with three sponsors — the Jackson Purchase Foundation, the Watershed Studies Institute and the City of Murray — with some growth in 2018. However, in 2019, the festival will be larger than ever, with a week’s worth of events planned, thanks to numerous sponsors and partners. Murray State University organizers include the Hutson School of Agriculture, Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, the Arboretum at Murray State and the Murray State Wildlife and Fisheries Society.
“Through this event, we hope to encourage our community to celebrate our abundant water resources and learn about local projects that aim to improve and protect these resources,” said Four Rivers Basin Coordinator Maggie Morgan.
Festivities will kick off April 2 with a Family Day at the Arboretum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This day will feature interactive activities for children, such as Animal Tales with the Calloway County Public Library and Hooked on Science with Jason Lindsey, as well as engaging educational material for adults. Visitors can look forward to various giveaways, including free trees from the Calloway County Conservation District (while supplies last).
A summit featuring speakers from across the region will be open to the public on April 3 at the Murray State University Curris Center Large Ballroom. Sessions will focus on invasive Asian carp and wetland restoration, and will include time for questions from the audience. Throughout the day, a display of student posters will highlight University research.
Other events planned for the week include a special Cinema International film on Asian carp in the Murray State Curris Center theater (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings), a Project Aquatic WILD workshop on Thursday and a trash cleanup activity on Saturday. The week will end with a Beast Feast, sponsored by Murray State’s Wildlife and Fisheries Society.
For a full list of times and events, visit the Four Rivers Watershed Sustainability Festival Facebook page at bit.ly/FourRiversFacebook.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019 10 am to 3 pm MSU Arboretum *In the case of inclement weather, this festival will be held at the Calloway County Public Library
Sustainability Festival: Family Friendly Festival featuring games and activities for kids, and educational booths and information for adults regarding green living and conservation. Don’t forget to join us at 11:00 for Animal Tales, and 1:00 for Hooked on Science with Jason Lindsey!
Wednesday, April 3, 2019 9 am to 4 pm MSU Curris Center Large Ballroom
Sustainability Summit: Educational Summit featuring seminars from speakers from around the region and a poster display of research performed by Murray State University students. Our morning session (9 am to 11 am) will focus on bottomland hardwood forest restoration and our afternoon session (1 pm to 3 pm) will focus on Asian carp.
Thursday, April 4, 2019 8:30 am to 2:30 pm MSU Biology Building
Aquatic WILD Workshop for Educators: Aquatic WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program using the simple, successful format of Project WILD activities and professional training workshops but with an emphasis on aquatic wildlife and aquatic ecology.
Thursday, April 4, 2019 7 pm
MSU Curris Center Theater
Cinema International Screening of Dark Water: DarkWater explores the local economic and ecological impact of one invasive species: the Asian carp. Introduced into the environment decades ago in an effort to control noxious algae, the Asian carp population has exploded in the rivers and lakes of the Ohio River Valley and beyond, causing countless environmental problems.
Friday, April 5, 2019 5 pm to 6 pm
MSU Collins Center for Industry and Technology
Four Rivers Watershed Watch Twenty Year Anniversary Celebration: Join Four Rivers Watershed Watch volunteers as they celebrate 20 years of volunteer monitoring of streams and lakes in the Four Rivers Region.
Friday, April 5, 2019 6 pm to 7 pm
MSU Curris Center Theater
Asian Carp Preview: Join the DarkWater producer, Glenn Hall, and biologists from around the region to learn more about Asian Carp and the impact they are having in the region.
Friday, April 5, 2019 7 pm
MSU Curris Center Theater
Cinema International Screening of Dark Water: DarkWater explores the local economic and ecological impact of one invasive species: the Asian carp. Introduced into the environment decades ago in an effort to control noxious algae, the Asian carp population has exploded in the rivers and lakes of the Ohio River Valley and beyond, causing countless environmental problems.
Saturday, April 6, 2019 9 am to 11:30 am
Four Rivers Watershed Watch Litter Cleanup Event: Join Four Rivers Watershed Watch in keeping our environment clean by helping to pick up trash. Meet at Murray State at 8:30 before traveling to the cleanup locations. All supplies and materials provided.
Saturday, April 6, 2019 12 pm to 1:30 pm
Murray Central Park, Playhouse in the Park Pavilion
Murray State University Wildlife Society Beast Feast: The first annual Beast Feast hosted by Murray State University’s student chapter of The Wildlife Society will feature a wide array of North American wildlife dishes carefully prepared for your family’s enjoyment. It will be a time to expand your palate while also savoring the classic sides that you know and love. Bring the whole family and relax with food and activities. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth. Pre-register at https://guestli.st/598782 to get a discount!
Saturday, April 6, 2019 7 pm
MSU Curris Center Theater
Cinema International Screening of Dark Water: DarkWater explores the local economic and ecological impact of one invasive species: the Asian carp. Introduced into the environment decades ago in an effort to control noxious algae, the Asian carp population has exploded in the rivers and lakes of the Ohio River Valley and beyond, causing countless environmental problems.