Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation

Register now for Groundwater to the Gulf: A summer institute for Central Texas Educators! Every year, water experts from over 13 agencies in Central Texas combine forces to take 50 teachers to the aquatic hotspots in and around Austin. We go caving, canoeing, hiking, and splash in streams–all in the name of science. It is the most fun, free way to earn 22 continuing education credits. Dip your hands into local water topics and try activities that help bring those topics back to your classroom.

Visit the Groundwater to the Gulf Registration page for more details including photos from years past, registration link, and sponsor info.

Sign-up is limited to 50 educators… and the first 30 that sign up and attend get a bonus Whole Earth Provision Company gift certificate. The entire training is free and includes lunch, prizes, and an armload of freebies, but you have to mail in a $50 check to guarantee your slot–which we give back once you complete the training. Join us! More info below! Please spread the word!

Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation will hold an annual meeting at 7:00 pm Thursday April 10, 2014 at the Ruby Ranch Lodge. The status of our water system including the newest Trinity well will be discussed as well as the election of 4 board members. For the director candidate application form and information on how to run for a board position please click here. The application form is “Exhibit A”, near the end of the document, on page 9. Please note the deadline to file an application is February 24, 2014.

Many thanks to Creedmoor Water Supply, Texas Lehigh Cement Company, St. Andrews Episcopal School, and Goforth Special Utility District for donating a portion of their Conservation Credits to support these scholarship programs.  We are able to have a wonderful awards program this year!!  Here are the details for both programs…. please pass along to any students that may be interested!

2014 Aquatic Science Adventure Camp Scholarships

Students ages 9 through 15 years old

Application Deadline:  Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Scholarship amounts:  $600 or $150, depending on length of camp

The District is now soliciting applications and essays for its 2014 Camp Scholarship program for the Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center’s Aquatic Science Adventure Camp through Tuesday, March 18, 2014. We estimate this year’s program will provide:

• FOUR $600 scholarships to the week-long Aquatic Science Adventure Camp (Note: Parent will be responsible for providing $150 camp deposit fee, which will be needed to hold the child’s spot.)
• FIVE $150 scholarships to the 2-Day Aquatic Science Adventure Camp (Note: All $150 will be paid for by BSEACD.)

The Camp scholarship contest is open to children ages 9 through 15 who reside in one of the six school districts within the District’s boundaries.  Interested students must submit an application and a 1-page essay/artwork entitled “Why I want to attend the Aquatic Science Adventure Camp!”  Scholarship winners will be chosen in a random drawing; only completed applications with essays/artwork will be eligible.  Deadline for submissions: 5:00p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2014.

Both English and Spanish application packets available here:  www.bseacd.org/education/scholarships/#Camp

2014 Kent S. Butler Memorial Groundwater Stewardship Scholarship Essay Contest

High school juniors and seniors

Application deadline:  March 18, 2014

Scholarship amount:  $2,500

The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) is now soliciting applications and essays for the 2014 Kent S. Butler Memorial Groundwater Stewardship Scholarship Essay Contest through Tuesday, March 18, 2014. The essay contest is open to high school juniors, seniors, and immediate graduates. Students must reside in one of the six school districts overlapping the District boundary. These six independent school districts are: Austin, Eanes, Dripping Springs, Hays Consolidated, Del Valle, and Lockhart.

One essay will be selected as the winning entry by an independent evaluation panel, and the author will receive a $2,500 scholarship to the college, community college, or training institution of his/her choice.

Essays must generally discuss groundwater issues, which may include but are not limited to:

• non-point source pollution

• pollution prevention

• water conservation

• hydrogeology

While essays must focus on groundwater issues, applicants do not have to be planning a career path in a water-related field.  Deadline for submissions: 5:00p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2014.

2014 Groundwater Essay Contest application form and rules available here: www.bseacd.org/education/scholarships/#College