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Since 1994, the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival has been a cornerstone of environmental education in the region. Founded by Earth and Environmental Sciences alumnus Peter Grey, this annual event draws approximately 6,000 elementary students each year, fostering a deep understanding of water resources among young learners. 

A study of more than 2,000 streams around North America found that those altered by human activity are at greater risk of flooding.

The study from the University of Waterloo analyzed the seasonal flow patterns of 2,272 streams in Canada and the U.S. and found that human-managed streams – those impacted by developments like dams, canals, or heavy urbanization – had significantly different flow patterns compared to streams in natural watersheds.

Southern Ontario wetlands provide $4.2 billion worth of sediment filtration and phosphorus removal services each year, keeping our drinking water sources clean and helping to mitigate harmful and nuisance algal blooms in our lakes and rivers.

A new study from the University of Waterloo uses economic valuation to help us understand the importance of Southern Ontario’s wetlands for water filtration – particularly as these sensitive ecosystems continue to be lost by conversion to agriculture or urban development.

Congratulations to Keith Delaney from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences for receiving the 2021 Jane Lang Excellence in Earth and Environmental Sciences Teaching Award!

This award acknowledges instructors who demonstrate dedication and enthusiasm for high-quality teaching and inspire undergraduate and graduate students to appreciate and understand the natural world and important aspects of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Delaney is a shining example of these qualities and more!

Plastics pollution is a global environmental hazard with potentially harmful impacts on wildlife, ecosystem services, and human health and wellbeing. Microplastics in particular are of great concern because of their ability to be transported over great distances and absorb and disperse contaminants widely.