Pathway2WaterQuality

Pathway to Water Quality is a model watershed exhibit showing how land “sheds” water or drains to a common place such as a river or stream.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Congratulations to our Art Contest Winner! Jasmyn Wheeler is heading into 5th grade at Hayden Elementary. Math and science are her favorite subjects. Jasmyn thinks it's important to keep water and soil clean so we can keep everyone safe. Come see her work at PWQ!

@INFishWildlife

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Goodness! We thought we had a week left to tell you all the exciting things to see at PWQ but it turns out the person running this show lost track of time. So here it is in a nutshell:

👩‍🌾🦋🌳🌸🐿️💧🍅🏀👣🐦

Come see us July 28 - August 20 at the @IndyStateFair!

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Big things are happening at the @IndyStateFair! Just over a week before the festivities begin! Make sure you stop by and see the ever-improving urban soil health area at Pathway to Water Quality!

[NRCS Indiana @IndianaNRCS]

Our public affairs specialist extraordinaire took advantage of the warmer weather to help @pathway2water committee members create a training video at the state fairground's exhibit. It's hard to believe we are already gearing up for another amazing state fair!

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Welcome to the 2022 Indiana State Fair! Enjoy your last stop at PWQ by visiting our new urban soil health area and learn what you can do in your own backyard garden to protect Indiana’s water quality.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

WE’VE EXPANDED! Don’t finish off your PWQ experience without first seeing our new soil health area! Stop by and watch one of our many rainfall simulator demonstrations which shows you how water runs off of different land uses.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Your final stop at the original Pathway to Water Quality is at the wetland and pond area. Stop by and take a selfie with your loved ones with this picturesque background. If you’re feeling froggy – upload your photo in the comments section!

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

It’s not all fun and games here at Pathway. No wait, it IS all fun and games at Pathway and there’s no better place to have fun than at the education area. Kids can participate in a variety of educational activities in this area while the adults can take a much-needed rest.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

As you moooooooove along the pathway you will moooooooove right to the pasture area. Ambassadors will be on hand to discuss why well managed pastures can improve animal health and performance, increase profitability and enhance wildlife habitat while protecting water quality.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Don’t have $5 for a bottle of water at the fair? No worries! Stop by Pathway and enjoy a cup of cool, clear, FREE water at the exhibit’s well pump. This drinking water well was drilled in 1997 to help demonstrate just how good a cold, clear drink of water can be.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Just past the pollinator patch you’ll find another patch of plants that are creating their own magic – below ground. Visit the cover crop plot to learn the benefits they have on water quality.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Bees hanging around fairground trashcans may be unwelcomed. But how about bees hanging around Pathway? They are always welcome in Pathway’s pollinator patch. Be sure to look but don’t touch as they work their magic on our native plants.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it. Stop by Pathway’s soils exhibit and learn how the soil plays a crucial role in protecting our water quality.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Corn on the cob is a fair staple…but how about corn in the ground? It is at Pathway’s agricultural area! Pathway ambassadors will be on hand to talk with you about different conservation measures you can use on your own farm – whether it’s 2,000 acres or 2.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Ahhh shade. You won’t be able to find it many places outdoors on the fairgrounds, but you can at Pathway! Get a break from the heat and take a leisurely stroll through Pathway’s forest area. How many trees can you identify?

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Make a left turn just beyond the home area and visit the newly renovated septic system area. Here you can view the inner workings of a model septic system and learn maintenance tips from Indiana State Health Department staff members.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Stop number four on your trip through Pathway leads you to the home area. This area demonstrates several conservation activities available to homeowners. Can you find 5 things here that you can do at your home to help protect water quality?

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Travel down the path and come to your third stop – the pervious concrete demonstration. Here you will see how pervious concrete differs from regular concrete by allowing rainwater to soak through its pores into the soil below – helping to replenish groundwater supplies.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

As you make your way into the exhibit, you will be welcomed by one of our many friendly volunteers at the greeter stand. Here, you can try to win an exciting prize by answering trivia questions correctly from the Wheel of Conservation.

[Pathway2WaterQuality @pathway2water]

Help us countdown to the 2022 Indiana State Fair!

Plants in the sky? You aren’t dreaming – you just hit your first stop on your tour of Pathway to Water Quality. Pathway’s green roof is a great example of what buildings can do to help protect water quality in a city landscape.