GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – The Central Platte Natural Resources District (NRD) will host the annual Nebraska Children’s Groundwater Festival on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Community College and College Park in Grand Island.

Now in its 37th year, the festival will welcome nearly 900 fifth-grade students from 32 schools across 18 counties. The daylong event features hands-on activities that highlight the importance of groundwater and environmental stewardship in Nebraska.

Fifth-grade students from 18 counties are scheduled to attend. Students will participate in six hands-on, classroom-style activities taught by 38 water and natural resources organizations from across the state and a stage show.

Hands-On Learning from Experts Across the State
Students will rotate through six classroom-style sessions led by 38 water and natural resources organizations from across Nebraska. Two stage shows and outdoor activities complement the classroom sessions. Topics include:

• Aquifers & watersheds
• Wildlife, ecosystems & wetlands
• Stream health & water quality
• Stormwater & wastewater
• Agriculture & soil health
• Historical: Geological events & windmills
• Hydropower & properties of water
• Water availability, flooding, and more

Volunteers
Students from Grand Island Senior High, Giltner High School, and Barr Middle School will serve as classroom guides and assistants throughout the day. The festival requires over 100 volunteers to help with various tasks, such as guiding school groups, manning registration desks, assisting in the lunch tent, and assisting presenters.

Activity Locations
Activities will take place in three buildings across the CCC and College Park campuses, with seven sessions held outdoors.

Media Access & Information
Members of the media are encouraged to attend. Media packets, including programs and campus maps, will be available at the registration desks at both Central Community College and College Park. Schedules for schools and presenters can be provided to help you navigate the event. If you would like a specific school or presenter schedule, or have any questions, contact: Marcia Lee or Brody Vorderstrasse at (308) 385-6282, or email them at lee [at] cpnrd.org or brody [at] cpnrd.org.

Day-of-Event Contact Information  
On the day of the event, you can reach Marcia at (308) 380-1220 or Brody at (402) 469-9319.

Sponsors
Thanks to generous sponsors, schools attend at no cost, and all participants receive a free lunch. Dedicated volunteers play a vital role in making the event a success.

How the Festival Began
The Nebraska Children’s Groundwater Festival was established in 1985 to educate students about all aspects of groundwater. Now celebrating its 40th year, the festival raises awareness about groundwater issues—such as contamination and responsible water use—while encouraging students to become environmental stewards. The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) has coordinated the festival for the past 21 years. The event has been canceled only three times due to weather and the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Students Learn at the Festival
The festival features a classroom-style format with 25-minute sessions designed to promote critical thinking and problem-solving. Presenters—including water professionals, environmental educators, and a performing artist—lead interdisciplinary, hands-on activities and interactive displays. This approach offers students a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

International Impact
The Nebraska Children’s Groundwater Festival was the first event of its kind and has inspired similar festivals in nearly 40 U.S. states and internationally in Mexico, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. Evaluations using pre- and post-tests consistently show that the festival increases students’ awareness, knowledge, and behaviors related to groundwater protection.

SCHOOLS ATTENDING

1. Ansley – Custer County
2. Axtell – Kearney County
3. Burwell – Garfield County
4. Cambridge Homeschool – Furnas County
5. Cedar Hollow (2 classes) – Hall County
6. Centennial (2 classes) – Seward County
7. Deshler – Thayer County
8. Dodge (3 classes) – Hall County
9. Doniphan Trumbull – Hall County
10. Elba – Howard County
11. Heartland – York County
12. Hitchcock – Hitchcock County
13. Humphrey St. Francis – Platte County
14. Lawrence – Nelson – Nuckolls County
15. Nebraska Christian – Merrick County
16. New Hope – Hall County
17. Newell (3 classes) – Hall County
18. Ord (2 classes) – Valley County
19. Palmer – Merrick County
20. Red Cloud – Webster County
21. Riverside – Boone County
22. Sandy Creek – Clay County
23. Sargent – Custer County
24. Seedling Mile – Hall County
25. Shell Creek (3 classes) – Platte County
26. Shoemaker (3 classes) – Hall County
27. St. Anthony – Platte County
28. St. Edward – Boone County
29. St. Paul (2 classes) – Howard County
30. St. Vincent – Seward County
31. Trinity Lutheran – Hall County
32. Wheeler Central – Wheeler County

To learn more visit https://www.cpnrd.org/education/activities-events/