Children get lesson in sustainability

Children attending the UB Child Care Center’s summer camp last week learned about the importance of water to everyday life as part of an annual summer program presented by the Office of Sustainability.

Twenty children between the ages of 5 and 9 — most the sons and daughters of UB employees and students — made their way to Lake LaSalle on the North Campus to hear a talk about the role of water to all living things and the dangers of pollution.

The children used bowls of water and food dye to learn about pollution and how plants absorb water. They also looked through microscopes to examine samples of water taken from Lake LaSalle to see what microorganisms are present in the pond.

This is the third consecutive summer the Office of Sustainability has partnered with the UB Child Care Center to offer programming. Last year, children visited Letchworth Woods near the Ellicott Complex, where they learned about forest habitat — “the focus was on creating a personal connection to place,” says Erin Moscati, sustainability education manager in the Office of Sustainability. The previous year, campers visited UB’s Solar Strand to learn about renewable energy.

The goal of the programming is to expose the children to sustainable concepts, raise awareness and promote UB’s sustainable initiatives, Moscati explains.

“This is a great way to reach members of the UB community we may not typically interact with and demonstrates our commitment to creating a sustainable culture,” she says.