4-H2O Leadership Academies
Each summer, newly selected and veteran water ambassadors embark on week-long tours throughout Texas to experience its vast diversity of water resources and water issues. These 4-H2O Leadership Academies allow youth to strengthen their understanding of the value of water to different regions of the state. Each year of service presents ambassadors to tour a different region and range of water issues. Youth who begin the program as a high school freshman, for example, can experience all four summer academies (Tier I - Tier IV).
Tier I
During the Tier I 4-H2O Leadership Academy, first-year ambassadors learn about surface and groundwater law, water rights, hydrogeology, water quality testing, reservoir management, desalination and agricultural irrigation management. Ambassadors complete the Texas Stream Team - Standard Core Water Quality Citizen Science Training, visit with numerous water industry professionals, and are trained to lead fun, hands-on water activities that they can do in their communities.
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Tier II
The Tier II 4-H2O Leadership Academy is for youth beginning their second year of service. Ambassadors learn about wastewater treatment, aquaculture, land stewardship, and marine ecology. Past experiences included a "swamp tour" at Caddo Lake, marine biology tour in Galveston Bay, beach hike at Galveston Island State Park, and a dolphin watching tour in Aransas Bay.
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Tier III
Water ambassadors starting their third year participate in the Tier III 4-H2O Leadership Academy. Youth learn about river authorities, watershed protection efforts, agricultural irrigation, the Rio Grande River, international water issues, and the role of irrigation districts. Ambassadors also visit South Padre Island and learn about sea turtle rehabilitation efforts.
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Tier IV
Water ambassadors starting their fourth year participate in the Tier IV 4-H2O Leadership Academy. Youth travel through parts of the Texas Southwest where they learn about karst aquifer system, desalination technologies, river authorities, and springs. Past tour stops included Dolan Falls Preserve on the Devil's River, Balmorhea State Park, White Sands National Monument, and Caverns of Sonora.
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