CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Fla., Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Zephyrhills Brand 100% Natural Spring Water is going straight to the source to bring quality environmental education on the road. Today, the iconic local spring water brand is teaming up with Crystal Springs Foundation to host the launch of WaterVentures, Florida’s Learning Lab – a vehicle that will empower Florida’s students to make environmentally conscious decisions through interactive, educational experiences. The launch is being celebrated today at Crystal Springs Preserve, one of the spring sources for Zephyrhills 100% Natural Spring Water, with 100 fourth-grade students, local influencers and government officials.
More than 50,000 students, parents and teachers engage in hands-on learning science experiences at Crystal Springs Preserve every year. With the launch of WaterVentures, Crystal Springs Foundation and Zephyrhills have the opportunity to reach an additional 100,000 students in Northern and Southern Florida, significantly expanding their geographic footprint. “We’re thrilled to be working with Zephyrhills to inspire critical thinking and empower students to make a difference in the world around them,” says Karen Pate , Vice President, Crystal Springs Foundation. “The Foundation’s goal is to educate people about Florida’s wetland habitats and creatures, and this mobile learning lab will serve as a tool to engage more youth in an entertaining and dynamic way.”
WaterVentures, Florida’s Learning Lab, is a traveling science center housed within a customized 53-foot semi-trailer that will tour elementary schools throughout Florida over the next 12 months. The vehicle features several enriching activities that offer a hands-on look at Florida’s water and conservation, with interior, museum-quality exhibits on topics including aquifers and the natural filtration of spring water,Florida’s hydrogeology and biodiversity, water stewardship and recycling. The lab also features a dynamic staff of trained educators, an outdoor activity center and an AV screen for presentations. All of the exhibits were designed by the experienced teaching team from Crystal Springs Foundation.
“We’re thrilled to officially unveil WaterVentures and kick off the tour in Florida with Crystal Springs Foundation,” says Greg Berumen , Senior Marketing Manager, Zephyrhills Brand 100% Natural Spring Water. “Zephyrhills is committed to preserving the local area and this dynamic learning tool approaches environmental education in a creative and engaging way.”
For more information on WaterVentures, Florida’s Learning Lab, please visit the Zephyrhills brand on Facebook.
About Nestle Waters North America
With 36 years of experience providing refreshment in the bottled water segment, Nestle Waters North America is the nation’s leading bottled water company. The company produces six regional natural spring water brands in the U.S., distributes three international brands, produces Nestle Pure Life, its nationally distributed purified bottled water, and most recently, ready-to-drink iced teas. The company’s dedication to quality products, employee development, bringing shared value to communities, and its commitment to environmental stewardship, especially in the areas of water use, energy and packaging, has led Nestle Waters North America to be the third largest non-alcoholic beverage company by volume in the U.S.
About Crystal Springs Preserve
Crystal Springs Preserve has served its guests in a number of ways over the millennia. It has been a source of drinking water for Florida pioneers, the hub of a utopian community, a swimming hole and one of the spring sources for Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water. Thanks to a unique partnership between Nestle Waters North America and the Bob Thomas family, the spring has evolved into a world-class environmental education center that teaches thousands of school-age children each year about springs ecology and the importance of conservation. For more information, visitwww.crystalspringspreserve.com.