Sturgeon City of Jacksonville, NC

This is a wonderful bunch of people serving the community and the environment here in Jacksonville! They have taken on the ominous task of cleaning up the New River after the city had dumped their sewage in it for decades, and have done so spectacularly. They get out environmental information every chance they get: I have seen them at farmers market, every festival they have here on the coast, and even at schools. They are always very interested in talking to citizens about local environmental issues and what they can do personally to help, and have farm raised flounder to observe to grab kids attention and get them interested in talking as well. My son is participating in a youth program or theirs called 'Street Science'. It is an amazing program that is offered free to families that focuses on a different aspect of science each month. The children are given exposure and experience through hands on learning of many different avenues of the scientific world, enhancing the curiosity of the students. This gives these children exposure to fantastic teaching in venues they might not otherwise be exposed to. I know that Sturgeon City at Jacksonville is very interested in bringing the educational experience to schools, and I will be very excited when that comes to fruition.
All in all, this is an amazing program, a wonderful and hard working group of individuals, and Jacksonville, NC is very lucky to have them. Any recognition they can get is well deserved.

Carteret Community College Aquaculture Technology program has a great history with Sturgeon City. Our curriculum requires students to work with an industry partner to gain experience and learn on the job. We have partnered with Sturgeon City for three students, all with excellent results. Our students learned valuable skills and made great contacts for their resumes and future careers. The folks at Sturgeon City are knowledgeable and caring and it shows. I recommend them for excellence in Green education and green non-profit.

As a high school intern I have been working at Riverworks at Sturgeon City for a few months. I have learned a lot about working with children and how to create engaging/hands on lessons that inspire kids to change their mind about science and learning.

I help provide guidance/education to the visitors of Sturgeon City.
i.e-(School groups, field trips, kids, teachers, families, general public.)

Design & Maintain various projects on the grounds and in the local area.
i.e.-(Aquaculture: oysters & Fish, Wetlands restoration & construction, Water Quality Monitoring & Research, Biological Sampling: Monitoring & Research, etc...)

I love helping out and informing children and adults why Sturgeon City was created. It's important to take care of our environment and we want to make everyone alert about how t keep our water clean. I like telling people about the projects that are helping clean the water supply in Wilson Bay.

Because I am only a high school student, I have not had much work experience. I volunteered with Riverworks at Sturgeon City last summer by helping to lead science workshops for elementary students. The time I spent at Riverworks allowed me to develop important job skills such as problem solving and flexibility. The main thing that I learned was that things often times do not go as planned and that it is important to be able to handle these situations as they occur. The lessons I learned will greatly benefit me later in life as I continue my education and join the work force.

My experience with Riverworks has always been positive. I have seen them working with our local kids, as well as ; visiting children from other communities and states and know firsthand the excitment of their learning hands-on!

At a time when Sturgeon City needed a breath of fresh vision and a person with a commitment to take Sturgeon City higher than any of us could have imagined--JP McCann accepted the Executive Director position. JP sought feedback from other organizations and the local community. Sturgeon City would become the destination for students, teachers and other environmental organizations under JP's guidance. His vision exceeded the community's expectations by far.

At a time when New River Foundation needed to relocate our class room and watercraft storage, JP offered his facilities to accomodate our needs. For more than a year our equipment and storage unit has been located at Sturgeon City. This allows our paddlers and volunteers easy access to New River by using their launch site. Many events have been staged from Sturgeon City for our student programs and eco-tours. With the aid of JP and Sturgeon City's facilites the New River Foundation has grown and strengthened our environmental programs.

The New River Foundation is not the only organization Sturgeon City has helped strengthen. Numerous forums and organizations hold events and meetings at this location. The facility is located on the banks of Wilson Bay --New River. There are aquatic displays and flounder growth occuring at the facility. This is the only facility with easy access in South Eastern NC and FREE to the public that offers such environmental learning opportunities.

Sturgeon City welcomes the community and visitors to tour the site and enjoy the park, tanks and a stroll on the board walk to Wilson Bay.

I am the Director with New River Foundation applaud Sturgeon City for being a learning welcoming center for all.

This submission is supported by the New River Foundation Board of Directors. our key volunteers and member as well as myself.

River works at Sturgeon is a great way for kids to learn hands on about the environment and how to take care of it. At the street science events they learn in your face science applications and have a great time doing it. My oldest son has been going to Sturgeon city for over 5 years now and had loved every minute.

My son has been participating in the street science program for the last 4 or 5 months. He has learned a bought everything from rockets to robots. When I looked at the program, I hoped it would not be another boring science event for him. My goal is to excite him abought science, biology, and the environment. So far, when I ask Garrett if he wants to go back next month, the reply comes with out delay. Yes daddy he says, I am so greatful that the street science program is avalable to our youth. It is this excitement , that makes better students in school. This early interaction with science will make it more interesting when they try to teach it in school. Thanks Sturgeon City,

Sturgeon City at Riverworks is a growing non-profit. They have set programs available, but they are also willing to customize programs to fit a group's needs. The facilty is easily walked by all ages. Experiences can range from learning about aquaculture and ecosystems to canoeing the river. A canoe/kayak launch is on site.

The facility also hosts summer programs and field trips for schools. One of the greatest attributes of Riverworks is that they help local children and adults better understand personal impact on the land. People can see that the choices that were made in the past with a water treatment facility such as this were not beneficial for the environment. This often raises questions about what we are doing today in our decision making.