The Sun Foundation, the Rivers Project, and Illinois American Water Company invite students, teachers, community leaders, and the general public to attend the Clean Water Celebration, April 26 and 27, 2009. This two day, five event program takes place in four different locations throughout the Peoria area. Clean Water Celebration encourages us to learn to improve water quality, to think critically and creatively about adequate and safe water supplies, and to promote the wise use of natural resources.

Day 1

Event 1 “Parade of Waters”

April 26, 2009
Opening
Noon
Gateway Building, 200 NE Water St., Peoria, IL

A “Parade of Waters” will kick off the Clean Water Celebration on Sunday, April 26 at noon at the Gateway Building on the Peoria riverfront. Mayors, Village Presidents, and other Community Leaders will each bring water that was drawn from the Illinois River, lakes, and streams from their community and symbolically pour their waters together declaring their community’s commitment to clean water. A Native American Blessing of the waters will then be given and “Making Waves” awards will be presented to groups or individuals that have made a difference to the cleanliness of water and the environment. Free

Event 2 “Science Riverwalk”

April 26, 2009
Science Riverwalk
1:00 p.m.
Gateway Building, 200 NE Water St., Peoria, IL

Enjoy a walk along the Illinois River while learning about many of the plants, animals, and factors that influence the river and the people that depend on its rushing waters. Joining the walk will be scientists, storytellers, and teachers sharing their insight and knowledge. Also take part in fishing, water critter identification, water quality tests, storytelling, and face painting. All ages are welcome! Questions, call Camron Stanley at 309-253-5988. Free and open to the public. Free

Event 3 “Oil & Water”

April 26, 2009
2:00pm to 4:00pm
Illinois Humanities Council Oil & Water Forum & Panel Discussion: “It All Flows Downstream”
Moderator: Paul Heltne, Ph.D-Director, Center for Humans & Nature, Chicago
Gateway Building, 200 NE Water Street,
Peoria, IL Room 201

From the Illinois River watershed to the Mississippi River watershed, we are all connected in Western Illinois, & the choices we make about how we use water at the regional, local, and personal level affect all of us. What are the main water demands in Western Illinois, and how do we decide how those demands are met? How can understanding the history of water use and pollution of the Mississippi River guide the choices we make today? What are the ethical issues inherent in the conflict between the short-term needs of people and communities and the long term needs of the environment and of future generations? It All Flows Downstream will raise key questions about how we access and control water in Western Illinois. Presenters will include Misganaw Demissie, Head of the Center for Watershed Science at Illinois Water Survey, and John Anfinson, Historian at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area for the National Park Service. Christopher H. Pearson, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, SIU, Edwardsville. Free and open to the public.

Event 4 ” Lecture & Dinner”

April 26, 2009
6:30 pm
Be One With the Earth: A Message from the Past to the Future
Dinner & Lecture at the GAR Hall 416 Hamilton Blvd. Downtown Peoria

Archeologist Dr. Michael Wiant shares his knowledge in a presentation regarding how past generations have had an impact on current and future generations and gives insightful information about what we can do to uphold those standards. Reservation deadline is April 20. If interested, send check to the Sun Foundation. For more information, contact the Sun Foundation at 309-246-8403. The dinner and lecture fees are $10 for students and $15 for adults. It is $10 to attend the lecture only.

Day 2

Event 5 “Back to the Future”

April 27, 2009
9am to 2pm
Special Events

Back to the Future Keynote Session Environmental Streams
Peoria Civic Center For students in grades 5-12 & the general public
Dr. Michael Wiant, Director of Dickson Mounds Museum & archeologist, will be leading the keynote session at 9am and 11am. He will be exploring the history of Native American life along the Illinois River Valley and will be sharing their sustainable messages and ways of living. Also, he will provide information on how those tribes conformed to and utilized their water sources and what attributes we could gain from them. The Environmental “Streams” are sets of learning stations that cover water-related topics and are presented by educators and professionals in the community. These workshops rotate students every twenty minutes and are located in Exhibit Hall C. In addition to the keynote presentations and workshops there are fourteen different special event/breakout sessions that will feature scientists, authors, storytellers, and more. Free and open to the public.

Click here to download the Clean Water Celebration registration form and full schedule of events.

Click here to download the Clean Water Celebration financial support for school transportation.

If interested, please contact the Sun Foundation by email at: info@sunfoundation.org.