TTF has been partnering with Artology this summer, helping students merge science and art as they explore water through the use of different artistic media. On Friday, Artology students showcased their work at the vacant lot on the corner of Clearview Street and Washington Lane in our Awbury/Cliveden Model Neighborhood. The students created an artistic rain garden by “planting” their own abstract sculptures modeled on plants they had encountered near local waterways. During the party, students gave community members very informative and entertaining tours of their work. TTF is working on turning this space into a real rain garden, but for now, neighbors can enjoy Artology students’ amazing creative expression!

View more photos from this event in this Flickr set.

This time, the project was led by two dynamic leaders from Delaware Valley Earth Force’s Youth Leaders team. Throughout the day, Wyncote students helped in each stage of the planting, with the final result being a beautiful garden of all native plants for local birds — and people! — to enjoy.

Here are some photos from the day, courtesy of Delaware Valley Earth Force. Below, Barb Duffy from the Cheltenham Environmental Advisory Council demonstrates proper planting techniques to some very helpful student participants.

You can view more photos from the day in this Flickr set.

Maritime Charter Academy’s mission is to “provide students in grades 5 through 12 a rigorous academic program with the special theme of maritime studies. MACHS students work with the latest technology to learn maritime content such as nautical science and maritime business, while achieving to high standards in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and the Arts.”

Thanks to our partners at the Philadelphia Water Department, we were able to provide Maritime with a brand new rain barrel. Because Maritime is located on a historic property without much ability to dig in the ground, instead of a rain garden, the kids built a large planter box that will be filled with plants to help absorb rainwater. It was a hot day, but with some assistance, the kids were able to create the planter.

We’ll check back in with Maritime when all the plants are flourishing and post some updated pictures of the completed project!

Remember: In just two short weeks Clearview Street will be energy efficiency upgrades along with a huge celebration as part of OARC’s Urban Energy Conservation Program. Keep checking back for more information events and information on Clearview Street!

This Arbor Day TTF worked with the Roosevelt Middle School and planted over 150 seedlings on their campus! All of our wonderful helpers also took home a tree to plant at their house. Get inspired by these enthusiastic young kids and plant a tree in your neighborhood!

Applications are being accepted for TIDE Camp Summer 2009, which is an instructional program designed to give high school students exposure to the scientific processes at work in Delaware Bay. TIDE, which stands for Taking Interest in Delaware’s Estuary, is hosted by the University of Delaware’s College of Marine and Earth Studies (CMES).

Students attending TIDE Camp will spend 13 days living on the UD campuses in Newark and Lewes, Del. They will learn about topics such as marine animals, tides, habitat loss, species adaptation, wind power, autonomous underwater vehicles, and climate change.

Sure to be popular is this year’s addition of a research cruise aboard UD’s 146-foot R/V Hugh R. Sharp. Campers also will participate in activities that include visiting oceanographic and atmospheric laboratories, going on field excursions, and taking part in discussions and lectures. They also will have opportunities to interact with faculty, design and complete experiments, and learn about UD program offerings.

Applications, which include completing a form available on the program’s web site, are due Friday, April 17. Applicants also must submit a grade transcript and a letter of recommendation. Any high schooler with solid math and science skills and an interest in the marine environment may apply.

The residential camp runs Monday, July 6, through Saturday, July 18. Students will spend the first week at UD’s Newark campus and the second week at UD’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. Tuition is $1,300 and covers room, board, lab and class materials, the research cruise, and scheduled out-of-class activities.

For more details about the camp, including application information, visit: www.ocean.udel.edu.

Or contact:
Frank Newton, Assistant Dean for Student Services
University of Delaware – College of Marine and Earth Studies
111 Robinson Hall
Newark, DE 19716
302-831-2841
fanewt@udel.edu