Oakley Science Week comes to Ironhouse Sanitary District
Take a hayride tour and learn how Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) turns dirty water into sustainable, clean recycled water ready for reuse. Get up close and personal with those amazing raptors that fly high up in the sky in your backyard. Learn the importance of conserving water and how water gets from your house to ISD’s Water Recycling Facility through a complex system of pipes and pumps. It’s all happening at this year’s Oakley Science Week at ISD on Saturday, April 9.
This year Oakley Science Week takes place from April 2nd to the 9th. Ironhouse Sanitary District will complete the week-long activities on the second Saturday. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hayrides are back again this year
Always a favorite among visitors, the District will be providing three hayride tours of the Water Recycling Facility beginning at 10:30 a.m. The tour travels throughout the seven-building facility while one of ISD’s trained professional staff members gives a narrated tour and answers questions from the audience.
Young science enthusiasts will have a chance to learn how ISD cleans dirty water without any chemicals using the award-winning, high-tech-driven biological process, microfiltration, and ultraviolet light to make clean, sustainable recycled water that can be re-used to water plants, crops, trees, and more.
After the hayride, stop by and visit with ISD’s Collections staff. Visitors will have a chance to look at some of the District’s equipment to ensure the underground pipes and pumps stay free of debris and keep the environment in Oakley, Bethel Island, and the Delta safe and healthy.
Raptors, reptiles, and more
Ever wonder what those birds that fly high up in the sky really look like? ISD has invited the Native Bird Connections to come out and show some of their resident raptors. They will be bringing along some live hawks and owls that will delight young and old birders. We may also see a Delta marsupial and reptile or two.
Native Bird Connections is a non-profit bird rescue organization that not only brings in live, non-releasable wild birds but also has touchable artifacts that include feet, feathers, wings, and skulls of various birds. Their program emphasizes dual avenues of wildlife rescue and release and environmental education.
Crafts, exhibits, and more
There is always lots to do for everyone at the Oakley Science Week program at Ironhouse Sanitary District. Each year the ISD puts together a fun craft themed around the exhibits at the program. This year there will be creating little critters that help clean Ironhouse’s recycled water. This activity is fun for all ages. The City of Oakley also provides activities at their table. Diablo Water District will be on hand with water-saving tips and more.
The event will be held at the Ironhouse Sanitary District, 450 Walnut Meadows Drive in Oakley. Those coming in off Oakley’s Main Street will want to turn onto Districts Way, across from Rose Avenue, follow the road under the train tracks, and to the stop sign, making a left.
For more information on other Oakley Science Week programs or to register for an Oakley Science Week event, see the City’s Website at www.oakleyinfo.com. For more details on Ironhouse Sanitary District, see www.ironhousesanitarydistrict.com.