KUAF, Extension explore water resources’ impact

Fast facts:

• Segments broadcast five times daily each weekday in August
• Project recognizes Water Quality Month
• Website has links to segments already aired 

(310 words)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A few minutes on public radio each weekday this month are being devoted to glimpses at the ways that northwest Arkansas uses its water resources. KUAF 91.3 FM is partnering with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service to present a segment on the air each weekday highlighting different water-related topics and their impact on the region. 

The segments for “Extension’s Water Connections,” which are being produced in recognition of Water Quality Month during August, each run about three to five minutes. They are aired weekdays at 6:31 and 8:31 a.m., during the noon edition of “Ozarks at Large,” and at 3:18 and 5:18 p.m. 

“The goal of the water connection series is to increase public awareness of our regional water resources and encourage voluntary water quality stewardship to protect them,” said Katie Teague, a Washington County extension agent who, along with extension colleagues Jane Maginot and Colin Massey, worked with KUAF operations manager Pete Hartman to produce the series. 

The audio segments feature interviews with water quality professionals who discuss topics such as regional water use, economic development, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, environmental stewardship and historical significance. Each segment also includes a “what you can do” advisory on ways to prevent pollution: picking up pet waste, using rain barrels and organizing litter clean-up events, among others. 

Interviews on the segments during the second half of August will include Brad Wimberly, owner of the Turner Bend Store in Franklin County, on tourism at the Mulberry River; Terry Carpenter, president of USI Consulting Engineers, on bringing daylight to sections of downtown Springdale’s Spring Creek, and Keith Shreve, Fayetteville city assistant transportation manager, who will lead a tour of the storm drain infrastructure under the Walton Arts Center parking lot to follow stormwater’s path from a drain inlet. 

Segments that have already been aired are posted at http://kuaf.com/programs/extensions-water-connections.  

For more information about water quality programs within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, contact your county extension office or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.

 Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution. 

# # #

Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu

Related Links

• Arkansas Farm and Ranch
• Arkansas Crops