John Wosik

HOI Sierra Club Participates in Clean Water Celebration and Earth Day Events

May 10, 2011

Wendy and Andy Marquis Demonstrating Pervious Concrete at the Clean Water Celebration

“Really Cool!” That was just one of the reactions to the HOI Sierra Club display by the over 2,000 middle and high school students and teachers attending the 18th annual Clean Water Celebration at the Peoria Civic Center on April 11th. The Clean Water Celebration is sponsored by the Sun Foundation and the Rivers Project, and encourages students 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.

This year’s theme was “From Our Gutters to the Gulf: Our Connection and Responsibilities”, focusing on the impact our actions in Central Illinois have on the Gulf of Mexico. During the 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. event, students and teachers attended special sessions and also visited 36 booths set up by local businesses and organizations, including the Heart of Illinois Sierra Club.

The HOI booth this year featured a miniature working model of water flowing out of a rain gutter into two connected rain barrels. A small pump continuously cycled the water in a loop through the display. We also had two full size rain barrels so viewers could relate the working model to the real thing.

Our booth also featured a display of pervious (porous) concrete, and the benefits of using it for parking lots. Rainwater runs through pervious concrete and soaks directly back into the ground, reducing water runoff into streets and storm sewers. Our display consisted of a square foot of pervious concrete loaned to us by C & G Concrete Construction of East Peoria, and next to it a square foot of “regular” concrete. HOI volunteers poured water over both samples to demonstrate water running off the “regular” concrete but running through the pervious concrete. (There are currently only two parking lots in the Peoria area with pervious concrete: Robinson Park in Peoria and Community United Church of Christ in Morton.)

Our display was also set up for Earth Day events at Bradley University on April 29 and at Forest Park Nature Center on April 30. Thanks to all the volunteers who created and manned this well-received display during these three events! You helped to project a very positive view of the Heart of Illinois Sierra Club, and educate people on the benefits of rain barrels and pervious concrete.

Click on the pictures below for a larger view.