NONPOINT SOURCE PANELS AND FRAMEWORK

This display contains 12 full-color panels explaining what nonpoint source pollution is and how it can be mitigated.  The panels are displayed in stainless steel frames that interconnect to form a series of three diamond-shaped structures.

Weight: The panels and framework are contained in two wood crates.  The panels crate weighs approximately 75 pounds.  The framework crate weighs approximately 150 pounds.

Size: Each panel is 1 meter square (approximately 3 feet square).

Special use requirements: During assembly, the corner cups must be opened with an Allen wrench to protect the panel corners.  At disassembly, each pole of the framework must be cleaned with a damp cloth to prevent pitting from natural acidity in skin and to remove any foreign matter that could have been in contact with the poles. Instructions for assembly are included.

Display and space requirements:  The framework is such that a viewer can walk all the way around the panels. We recommend a floor space of at least 12 feet by 6 feet for ease of viewing/reading.

Safe movement of the panels and framework requires at least two strong people. It is preferable to transport the crates flat because the crates are made of plywood, and tops may become disconnected if transported on their sides. The crate for the panels is approximately 40 inches long, 40 inches wide and 10 inches high.  The pole crate is approximately 48 inches long, 24 inches wide and 12 inches high. Approximate value $5,000.

Transportation: It is the borrower’s responsibility to transport the display to and from the destination where it is to be displayed.

WATERSHED MODEL

This model is a three-dimensional representation of a watershed.  It includes areas representing forestry and mining practices, agriculture, urban runoff and recreational uses. It may be accompanied by literature that helps to interpret the model.

Weight: 200 pounds (top 80 pounds, bottom 120 pounds).

Size: 4 feet high and 6 feet wide.

Special use requirements: The top or cover is made of Plexiglas and must be cleaned with Plexiglas cleaner or clear water.  Drying should be done with a soft cloth or soft paper towel.  You MAY NOT use vinegar or commercial window cleaners (such as Windex) on the cover. 

The model can be displayed on a strong 6-foot folding table.

Safe movement of the model should include at least four strong people.  The model must be transported flat (not on its side) and can be moved in a flat-bed truck with at least a 6-foot bed or a minivan with seats removed. Approximate value $9,000.

Transportation: It is the borrower’s responsibility to transport the model to and from the destination where it is to be displayed.

WATERSHED - TWO-DIMENSIONAL WALL PANELS

This display consists of six panels that are a duplicate of the three-dimensional watershed model. There is also an additional panel that explains what a watershed is. 

Weight: Approximately 30 pounds.

Size: Each panel is 1 meter square or approximately 3 feet square.

Special use requirements: None.

Display and space requirements: The panels may be applied to a wall surface using heavy-duty, two-sided tape. The minimum wall space required is 18 feet by 18 feet.  If the watershed explanation is displayed on the wall, then another 3-foot by 3-foot section will be needed.  The watershed panel may be displayed on an easel. Approximate value $2,000.

Transportation is relatively easy in that the panels are flexible.  It is recommended, however, that the panels be transported flat to prevent cracking or folding.   It is the borrower’s responsibility to transport the display to and from the destination where it is to be displayed.

STATE FLOOR MAP - STEP UP TO YOUR WATERSHED

This map is always a big hit with adults as well as children.  It is a map of the commonwealth with all the major river basins and counties delineated.  Games can be created to teach participants about the watersheds or to illustrate the principles of how nonpoint source pollution accumulates from various places in the watershed. The map is formed from 16 panels.

Weight: Each panel weighs approximately 10 pounds.

Size: Each panel is 4 feet wide and 8 feet tall.

Special use requirements: Map must be mopped with warm water and soap and allowed to dry before returning.

Display and space requirements: If used on a slick floor, it is suggested that you use double-sided tape to secure the map in place.  There are Velcro strips on the back that help on carpeted surfaces.  The floor map requires a space 16 feet wide and 32 feet long for proper display. Approximate value $8,000.

Transportation: Although the panels are flexible, they cannot be bent or folded enough to crease them.  It is suggested that they be transported in a truck with an 8-foot bed or a panel truck with a space 8 feet by 4 feet in the interior.  It is the borrower’s responsibility to transport the map to and from the destination where it is to be displayed. 

RUNOFF MODELS

This display consists of four separate interactive models that demonstrate the amount of rainwater that runs off, or is infiltrated into, the ground in four distinct land-use areas: urban, farm, forest and home.  Each model may stand alone, but used together they show the comparative value of decreasing impervious surface cover. All the necessary tools for setup are included (buckets, pulls, plugs and instructions).

Weight: Each model weighs approximately 25 pounds.

Size: Each model is approximately 24 inches wide, 36 inches long and 19 inches high.

Special use requirements: Electricity is required for the recirculating pumps.  Caution should always be used when using water near an electrical supply.   Each model must be drained of all water and dried with a towel (not included) before returning to pickup site. All loose pieces (plugs, pulls, etc.) must be placed in the model.

Display and space requirements: They may be displayed separately on a folding table or grouped together. If grouped, two tables are needed to allow for some space between the models. Models should be displayed against a wall so that viewers may look at the model from the front.  Since they are slightly longer than a standard 8-foot folding table, you will need approximately 45 feet in depth for proper viewing.  Approximate value $1,000.

Transportation: The models will stack one on the other (two up) and must be transported flat as there are loose parts on some models. It is the borrower’s responsibility to transport the models to and from the destination where it is to be displayed. 

ENVIROSCAPE

The Enviroscape watershed model is available through many extension offices, environmental education resource schools (see www.state.ky.us/agencies/envred for listing), Division of Water regional offices, Jefferson County Public Schools Environmental Education Center and some state universities.  Please see publications page for standards-aligned curriculum to accompany the Enviroscape model.

RIVERLAB (STREAM TABLE)

The Riverlab is an interactive teaching model that may be used to demonstrate the ways rivers work, techniques for stopping streambank erosion, flood control, delta building and many other facets of the natural consequences of flowing water.  The model consists of a two-part table, erosion control devices and eight bags of sand and all necessary electrical parts for recirculating water and creating various rain-event representations.

Weight: Approximately 50 pounds, excluding the bags of sand that weigh about 10 pounds each and assorted gear.

Size: Folded up in two sections, the lab is approximately 3 feet wide, 6 feet long and 4 inches high.

Special use requirements:  All sand and water must be removed from the tray table, and the liner must be cleaned with a chlorine bleach solution and then dried before closing the table.

Display and space requirements: The Riverlab can be used in any room.  It is a self-contained model but does require electricity to run the recirculating pump.  Opened up, the table is about 3 feet wide and 12 feet long.  Observers can stand on all sides of the table.  Approximate value $1,500.

Transportation: The model can be moved in most standard-size cars.  It has two wheels and can be moved by one person.  Care should be taken in lifting the model because of the awkward size and the wheels.  It is the borrower’s responsibility to transport the model to and from the destination where it is to be displayed.

RIVER HISTORY PANELS

These panels trace the history of the Ohio River from billions of years ago to present day.  They are educational, inspiring and quite useful for students and the general public.  The display consists of 12 panels, each depicting a segment of river history presented in timeline format.

Weight: Approximately 10 pounds for the panels and 20 pounds for the backing boards to stabilize the panels for display.

Size: Each panel is approximately 3 feet by 3 feet.

Special use requirements: None.

Display: The panels can be either wall-mounted without the stabilizing back boards or inserted with back boards into the same framework that is described above for the nonpoint source panels.  Approximate value $1,500.

Transportation: If being used as a wall-mounted display, the panels can be transported in any car. They are very flexible, but should not be creased to prevent cracking. If using as a free-standing display, two people will be needed to carry the framework crate, and a flat-bed truck or panel truck will be necessary to hold the crate. It is the borrower’s responsibility to transport the panels and framework to and from the destination where they will be displayed.