Local foundation uses hands-on watershed model to show how pollution moves through the Coastal Bend and how residents can help stop it.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coastal Bend is marking Earth Day with a focus on protecting local waters and raising awareness about how everyday actions impact the environment.
The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation and Estuaries Program are leading educational efforts aimed at conservation, restoration, and community involvement.
In Corpus Christi, Environmental Education Specialist Savannah Martinez showcased a hands-on watershed model that demonstrates how pollution travels through the Oso watershed and into local bays.
The model is used in schools and public events to help people visualize how litter and runoff affect the coastal ecosystem.
Martinez explained that even small actions on land can have a major impact on waterways.
“Everything we do within this land boundary has an impact on our water as a community as well as our coastal bend bays and estuaries,” Martinez said.
She used the model to demonstrate how trash left on the ground can be carried by rain into waterways, stressing that pollution does not disappear once it leaves sight.
The foundation is also promoting its “Up to You” program, which encourages residents to take part in cleanup efforts across the city and at local beaches.
Martinez adds, “If you feel like for Earth Day you want to get out there at the beach or in your community, we have these all across the city and they’re expanding.”
Martinez also highlighted solutions like rain gardens, which help filter pollutants and reduce runoff while adding natural beauty to neighborhoods.
The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation says its goal is to encourage residents to take simple steps that help improve and protect local waters for future generations.
To learn more about the program, click here.