Education
Water Wisdom One Drop at a Time
Since 2004, OARS has delivered Water Wise Workshops (WWW) to children ages 5–10, offering hands-on, interactive education about the environment, rivers, and sustainability. Through these workshops, children are immersed in fun, engaging activities that help them understand our rivers, lakes, and ponds’ critical role in supporting ecosystems and communities. With the guidance of OARS educators, participants explore local habitats, connect with wildlife, and learn practical ways to protect our water resources.
Why Water Wise Workshops Matter
Interactive Learning
Our workshops blend group discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and personal interactions with nature, encouraging children to explore their connection to the environment.
Ecology & Sustainability
Each session covers essential topics, including water conservation, wildlife habitats, and sustainability principles.
Fostering Stewardship
We believe in empowering kids to take action. By understanding their role in protecting local rivers, participants become advocates for environmental conservation at an early age.
Hands-on activities like examining river wildlife help foster curiosity and environmental stewardship
Water Wise Workshop Afterschool Enrichment Program
Starting in the spring of 2025, OARS will offer a Water Wise Workshop Afterschool Enrichment Program. This exciting new initiative will bring our engaging, nature-based education to students after school, extending the reach of our workshops and integrating them with school curriculums.
Our afterschool enrichment program will also provide students with additional activities and materials to explore between sessions, ensuring they stay connected to the lessons and the natural world around them. Whether we’re outdoors or adapting the content for indoor activities, students will continue learning about how their actions can protect our rivers.
Inspiring the Next Generation of River Stewards
OARS is committed to expanding our Water Wise Workshops throughout the SuAsCo watershed. With support from TerraCorps and recent grant funding, we are excited to extend these educational opportunities to more communities. We aim to partner with local schools, recreation departments, and community organizations to ensure every child can access our unique hands-on environmental education.
By joining our workshops, children will not only learn to appreciate the beauty and importance of our rivers but will also become stewards of the environment, working to protect the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers for future generations.
Join a Water Wise Workshop!
OARS’ Water Wise Workshops are offered during the summer in Hudson, Framingham, and Marlborough. They are expanding to after-school programs. To learn more about our upcoming workshops or to bring these programs to your school or community, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Are you, or do you know, a high school student who wants to get involved?
We’re looking for enthusiastic high school students from Concord, Lowell, Sudbury, and Maynard to help lead our Water Wise Workshop After-School Program. Gain leadership experience, earn community service hours, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!