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On behalf of the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC), we wish to wholeheartedly thank you for your participation in this 8th Annual Rio Research Roundup held on October 11, 2017.
The Roundup is a
bi national
, basin-wide, water testing project in which 1,500-2,000 students leave their classrooms and descend upon the river banks and creeks to do water testing for eight water quality parameters. Students are expected to immerse themselves into the environment and transpose their riverine experience into their required assignments to include: essays, literary or visual art pieces, short videos which capture a snapshot of their experience, and a newly added public service announcement to raise awareness of watershed issues.
The Roundup involves schools from the United States and Mexico located within the boundaries of the Rio Grande watershed. For 2017, we had over 60 actively participating teams from the eight states that share the basin, from the headwaters in Colorado to the mouth of the river in Brownsville-Matamoros.
Nonetheless, the teams' successes would not be possible if it were not for the dedication and commitment of the Roundup leaders/teachers. And so, we take this moment to say thank you for rising up to the river's calling and once again going beyond expectations. We commend teachers, staff, members of the community, community leaders, students, and all who took an active role in getting these students to their pertinent watersheds. Even though some teams and their communities suffered set backs either because of a natural disaster or local violence, team leaders found a way to make their way to the watersheds. Again, thank you!
We urge more schools on both sides of the border to participate. This year for the first time ever in Rio Research Roundup history, our RGISC board generously provided monetary incentives for the Best of Country, Best Lead Teacher, and for each of the best teams by category.
Also, we must keep in mind that our precious Rio Grande-Rio Bravo continues to rank as one of the top 10 most endangered rivers in the world. The Roundup is an excellent tool for students to experience the beauty and threats our watersheds face. We thank you for raising awareness and allowing for future generations to take a vital part in caring for our river.
Tricia Cortez Lucia Juarez
Executive Director Project Coordinator
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