Community Collaboration - It's All One Water Photo and Poetry Project

This project combined visual art, literary art, science and conservation to educate and inspire the public to take simple actions to appreciate, clean, and protect the rivers and lakes in southeastern Minnesota. The project included a photo and poetry show, education programs about the wildlife and ecology of the Zumbro River, and community outreach about how all residents can help "clean, protect, and enjoy" the Zumbro River (one of three river systems in the SELCO Region). The photo and poetry show took place at Crossings At Carnegie in Zumbrota, Minnesota in October. The poetry and photos focused on the water that we see, drink, swim in, and use in the region. The opening night included a slide show and poetry reading at the State Theater in Zumbrota. The target audiences were adults age 40-65 who have an interest in visual arts and literature. A book about poetry/photo was produced from the juried entries in this show. The book contains both artwork, and information about how residents can help keep the Zumbro River clean. In October, the Zumbro Watershed Partnership (ZWP) presented two education programs at the Zumbrota Public Library to highlight the amazing animals that live in the Zumbro River, and to get children and families excited about taking simple steps like picking up litter and sweeping up grass clippings as ways to keep the Zumbro River clean and healthy. ZWP presented its "Zumbro Zoe's Way Cool Water Show" for families with preschool children. Zumbro Zoe is a six-foot river otter and the kid-friendly mascot of the Zumbro Watershed Partnership. It presented its "Amazing Animals of the Zumbro Valley" for families with school-age children, scout groups, and other community clubs.