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EDWARDS AQUIFER & DATA CENTER (EARDC) AQUATIC SCIENCE ADVENTURE CAMP SUPPORT FUND - 4202261000
The Edwards Aquifer Research & Data Center (EARDC) has held the Aquatic Science Adventure Camp since 1988. It is one of the longest-running science summer camps in Texas, welcoming thousands of campers from across the country to experience hands-on learning and adventure on the grounds of Texas State University in San Marcos. During camps, participants engage in exploration and interactive activities focused on water and the environment. Campers learn by doing—whether searching for insects in the creek, investigating water quality, or exploring caves, every activity is designed to foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world. The camp emphasizes experiential learning and self-directed discovery, aiming to give campers a taste of what real scientists do, all within a university setting.
Our motto, "Real Science, Real Fun!" reflects the camp’s commitment to making science engaging and enjoyable.
The funds requested would support:
1. financial aid and reduced tuition for campers
2. program needs such as equipment and materials used during daily camp excursions
Edwards Aquifer Research & Data Center (EARDC) Groundwater Research Excellence Fund - 4002791000
The Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center (EARDC), founded in 1979 through special funding for Texas State University (then Southwest Texas State University), has played a pivotal role in advancing groundwater research and protection. EARDC is a prominent institution dedicated to studying the Edwards Aquifer—a critical karst aquifer supporting ecosystems, endangered species, and human communities. Its multidisciplinary work spans hydrogeology, aquatic biology, geochemistry, and water quality monitoring. Groundwater ecosystems are still understudied globally, yet they harbor unique biodiversity and provide ~95% of Earth’s unfrozen freshwater. Our research addresses urgent and fascinating questions across a wide spectrum—from investigating groundwater recharge patterns and subterranean flow dynamics to find new species. EARDC staff have played a significant role in expanding scientific knowledge, contributing to the description of more than one-third of Texas’ known groundwater species. We are concentrating on mapping the distribution of groundwater species, investigating their ecological functions, and evaluating the impacts of climate change on these unique ecosystems.
The funds requested would support:
1. Graduate research in groundwater biology and hydrology.
2. Operational costs related to groundwater ecology research (in-state travel, lab supplies, publishing fees and shipping cost) to sustain field and lab-based studies.
