Office of Environmental Management
Office of Environmental Management
10/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2024 21:10
Connecting Community With Science at Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology Laboratory volunteer Kacee Poppy lets Adeline McDonald touch an eastern box turtle.
Annual Science Saturday event brings together more than 1,700 citizens through lab's research
AIKEN, S.C. - The University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory recently hosted its annual community engagement event, where more than 1,700 area residents engaged with research conducted by the laboratory's researchers, staff and graduate students on the Savannah River Site (SRS).
Residents were eager to explore a wide range of the laboratory's research, which covered radiation safety, biogeochemistry, ecosystems, wildlife and more. Highlights of the event included safely touching a rattlesnake and an alligator, observing over 40 species of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants native to the area, and engaging with experts to ask questions about their research. The lively interactions sparked insightful discussions.
"We were pleased to again offer Science Saturday to the members of our local communities to present them the opportunity to engage with the faculty, staff and students and learn about the many interesting and impactful research activities we conduct at the laboratory," said Olin "Gene" Rhodes, the laboratory's director and a professor at the Odum School of Ecology. "We hope that highlighting the fantastic work that our employees and students conduct benefits our local communities, our nation and the world."
A volunteer talks about the importance of tree rings during Science Saturday.
Science Saturday is one of several free programs offered at the laboratory, continuing a longstanding tradition of community involvement and investing in future generations. Hands-on community opportunities allow students and residents to connect with the overall mission of SRS to protect the environment.
Laboratory staff can communicate with the public through the myriad of programs offered throughout the year. Some of the programs provided by the Outreach and Education team include the perennially popular Ecologist for a Day and EcoTalks programs.
Ecologist for a Day immerses students in guided field experiences where they explore the living and nonliving components of local ecosystems, inspiring them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
EcoTalks bring nature into classrooms and afterschool programs, providing enriching educational experiences for students. These programs are important assets and boons to the community, shaping the next generation of future scientists and informing citizens about the important conservation work being completed on the SRS.
-Contributors: Katrina M. Ford, Bianca Moore
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