The Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) is preparing to host its annual “Cubihatcha Kids” field trips, welcoming around 3,000 third-grade students from 28 elementary schools across the county. The event will take place at the Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center in Locust Grove over two weeks: September 8-12 and September 22-26.
This marks the 21st year for the program, which began in 2003 but was paused during the 2020 and 2021 school years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The field trips are described as the largest public education initiative by HCWA and its non-profit partner, the Henry County Outdoor Education Partnership. The partnership includes HCWA, the Henry County Board of Education, and other organizations.
Students attending will participate in outdoor classes that support Georgia’s third grade curriculum standards and STEM education. Activities cover topics such as water cycles, ecosystems, wildlife habitats, stormwater pollution, forestry, bee keeping, environmental protection, and more. The aim is to give students hands-on learning experiences while increasing their understanding of natural resources and the role of HCWA in the community.
According to HCWA officials, nearly 60,000 students have taken part in these field trips since their inception. This educational outreach has led to several awards for HCWA from organizations such as the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) and the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.
The Cubihatcha Center itself spans about 1,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, nature trails, outdoor classrooms, a pavilion, and administrative offices. It serves as a hub for both education and recreation related to water management.
Earlier this year on June 7th, a fishing day event helped raise funds to support this program.
During their visit this year, students will be taught by staff from various local agencies including Henry County Stormwater Management, Henry County Fire Department, Police Department, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Game Wardens, Georgia Farm Bureau representatives teaching bee keeping and farming practices; plus activities like H2Olympics organized by Henry County 4-H.
“The Cubihatcha Kids” will spend their designated day on the campus of the Cubihatcha Center learning about topics such as the water cycle, watersheds, farming, ecosystems, wildlife and habitats, stormwater pollution, forestry, bee keeping, environmental protection and more.”
The schedule outlines daily participation from specific schools throughout both weeks with a make-up day planned if needed.
The Cubihatcha Center was constructed in 1999 alongside HCWA’s wetlands mitigation plan linked to reservoir construction. The Long Branch Reservoir next door is one of five operated by HCWA for drinking water supply and serves as a focal point for public education efforts.
Following this year’s event almost 60 thousand students will have participated since it began in 2003. As a result of these programs’ impact on public awareness regarding water resources management—HCWA has received multiple awards recognizing excellence in public education initiatives.
