Nauticus Junior Scientists Club Recognized for Environmental Stewardship

Norfolk, Va. – Nauticus has received numerous awards recognizing its Junior Scientists Club for being leaders in environmental stewardship. These include the 2003 Norfolk Environmental Commission Award of Excellence, 2004 Elizabeth River Project Riverstar Achievement Level, 2005 Elizabeth River Project River Model Level, and 2005 Sea World/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Award.

The Junior Scientists Club, created in partnership with Norfolk Public Schools in 1999, is comprised of 20 students from Ruffner Middle School and Northside Middle School. The purpose of the club is to promote environmental needs and the influence man has on the health and preservation of the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay.

Among its activities, the club maintains an oyster float at Nauticus and performs water quality tests of the Elizabeth River. The club also releases its oysters on a reef near Craney Island in the Elizabeth River. The program culminates at the end of the school year with the students presenting their findings to their schools based on their research.