Obed Wild and Scenic River Receives Grant from Leidos, Inc.

Date: March 3, 2014
Contact: Matt Hudson, 423-346-6294
Contact: Dave Carney, 423-569-9778

Leidos, Inc., of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has just provided Obed Wild and Scenic River with an education grant in the amount of $1,500.  The funds received from this grant will be used to transport more than 200 sixth grade Morgan County students to the national park where they will learn about the Obed's natural resources while participating in some of the park's most popular recreational activities.  In addition to providing for bus transportation for the students, the funds will purchase water testing kits, kick nets, and supplies needed to complete the learning experience.

The students will benefit from the grant as they learn about the Obed's geologic history while they learn basic climbing skills, and they will learn about water quality and riparian habitats as they participate in recreational river activities.  By connecting the activities to the natural resources, these students will leave with an appreciation of their connection to the natural resources of the park that can translate into a sense of responsible stewardship.  At the same time, the sixth graders will be practicing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills in real life hands on situations that will translate into an understanding and appreciation of the practical use of these skills.

"It would have been impossible for many of these schools to arrange the transportation to attend the event, and difficult for the park to supply the supplies and materials needed to handle a program of this size without these funds", says Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. "The staff at Obed and I sincerely appreciate the generosity of Leidos, Inc."