Conserve the Carson River education day today

About 170 people will be along the Carson River just east of Highway 88 this morning for Conserve the Carson River Education Day.

With 45 volunteers and 125 Douglas County students, the river banks will serve as an outdoor classrooom this morning.

Elementary school students are divided into groups and are taught by Douglas High School students on subjects including water cycles, how to test water quality, erosion control practices and about the animals that share the river with us.

A Washoe tribal member will explain the role the river plays in tribal activities past, present and in the future. The students use a journal to record the information, which is used in the classroom for continued education.

Soroptimist International of Carson Valley hosts the event, now in its sixth year in this format since its inception in 1995. The program is made possible by Carson Conservation District, Carson River Coalition, Carson Water Subconservancy, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Natural Resource Conservation Service, River Wranglers and the Western Nevada Resource Conservation District. Sponsorships were provided by Carson Valley Lion's Club, Douglas High FFA, Edgewood LLC, Gardnerville Port of Subs, Holiday inn Express and Suites Minden, and Minden Subway. Soroptimists help organize the event, gather donations and serve all participants breakfast and lunch at the site.