Edwards Aquifer Authority on April 13 opened the doors to a new Education Outreach Center at Morgan’s Wonderland Camp in north central Bexar County.
According to a press release, the EOC is the nation’s first all-accessible aquifer education facility and marks a major step in the authority’s mission to educate the community about enhancing and protecting the Edwards Aquifer.
EAA officials said their agency has historically taken a state-certified science curriculum and stewardship message into classrooms across its eight-county service area.
The new EOC will attract students, educators and general public to a state-of-the-art teaching and learning hub designed to appeal to people of all ages, backgrounds and capabilities, EAA officials added.
“The greatest value in the education center is the platform it provides us to invite and engage the greater public in our mission through more inclusive and innovative ways than before,” EAA General Manager Roland Ruiz said. “The partnership with Morgan’s Wonderland Camp that enabled the creation of this center is indicative of the type of collaboration that will be necessary if we are to further advance understanding of our mission and nurture the stewardship necessary to ensure the Edwards remains a sustainable water resource for generations to come.”
According to EAA, the new facility contains a global perspective display; a cloud caster; and the Karst Theater, which features realistic stalactites and stalagmites to complete the cavernous space.
The release said EAA staff is operating the EOC, which includes remote-controlled mobile robots that EAA scientists use to interact with visitors and out in the field for research.
“This truly is a world-class facility, and all eight of the counties within the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s service area will be able to benefit from the education and research accessible here,” Ruiz said.
Additionally, the EOC features the only Edwards Aquifer endangered species aquarium exhibit in San Antonio, the release said.
Also, data from the nearby EAA Field Research Park will be transmitted to the EOC in real time, and interactive displays will immerse students and the public with information about the Edwards Aquifer, which remains a major source of water for San Antonians.
”We’re proud and delighted to be celebrating the opening of a key attraction at Morgan’s Wonderland Camp as well as the educational partnership that made it happen,” said Gordon Hartman, founder and executive chair of Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative. “MWC is definitely a fun place, but now it’s also a learning place, thanks to EAA’s phenomenal, cutting-edge Education Outreach Center,” he added.
Schools, civic clubs and organizations, and families and individuals may plan a visit to the EAA Education Outreach Center by checking the website, www.eaaeoc.org, or calling 210-547-2222.
