WaterWorks Environmental Learning Lab

05/29/2026

This is the face you make when the Scouts actually understand the experiment and everyone’s getting a signed blue card at the end of the day. 🌎📘

Registration is open now for our summer Nature and Environmental Science Merit Badge workshops at WaterWorks!

👉 waterworksedu.org/meritbadge

05/28/2026

A former water treatment plant with a second life.

The Hartselle Enquirer shared a closer look at Hartselle Utilities’ visit to WaterWorks and the transformation of this space into an environmental learning lab focused on wetlands, conservation, and hands-on science.

We’re grateful to get to continue this property’s connection to water and community in a new way.

Representatives from Hartselle Utilities toured the WaterWorks Environmental Learning Lab on May 21, revisiting the former water treatment plant north of Hartselle that has been transformed into a hands-on environmental science campus serving thousands of students each year. The visit highlighted th...

05/28/2026

There’s something pretty special about watching a former water treatment facility continue serving the community in a completely new way.

We were glad to welcome Hartselle Utilities out to WaterWorks and share what’s been happening here.

05/28/2026

🚨 Scout parents, this is your friendly reminder that summer is approaching at alarming speed. 🚨

Nature Merit Badge still has limited spots available NEXT WEEK, and only THREE Environmental Science dates remain open. 👀

🌿 Hands-on outdoor learning
🌎 Registered Merit Badge Counselors
📘 Leave with a signed blue card at the end of the day

If your Scout still needs these badges, now’s the time.

👉 waterworksedu.org/meritbadge

05/27/2026

Alabama and Alaska may be next to each other in the alphabet… but their ecosystems could not be more different 🦦

One otter survives in warm southern wetlands and river systems. The other thrives in icy northern waters.

River otters in Alabama rely on dense fur, strong swimming ability, and wetlands full of fish, crayfish, and cover from predators. In Alaska, otters face freezing temperatures and harsh coastal conditions, surviving with incredibly thick fur that traps heat even in near-freezing water.

Different habitats. Same job description:

Professional Fish Thief

📸 : Jim Diehl

05/23/2026

Happy National Turtle Day 🐢🌧️

Somewhere in the wetlands, under the rain and duckweed, a tiny musk turtle was having a very dramatic day yesterday.

Musk turtles are one of Alabama’s native freshwater turtle species and are perfectly adapted for life in shallow wetlands and slow-moving water. Unlike larger basking turtles, musk turtles spend much of their time hidden underwater or walking along the bottom searching for insects, snails, and other small prey.

Tiny turtle. Big swamp energy.

05/21/2026

Looking for one of *these*? 👀

WaterWorks Merit Badge Workshops are officially open for registration this summer.

🌿 Nature Merit Badge
🌎 Environmental Science Merit Badge

Hands-on outdoor learning with registered Merit Badge Counselors at the WaterWorks Environmental Learning Lab.

Scouts will complete requirements and leave with a signed blue card at the end of the day.

👉 waterworksedu.org/meritbadge

05/21/2026

Teachers deserve field trips too 🥳

WaterWorks is now an official AMSTI Affiliate, and registration is open for our summer Educator Field Labs.

Both workshops are approved for PowerSchool and TEAMS credit and focus on hands-on outdoor science educators can bring back to their classrooms.

More info:
waterworksedu.org/teacherworkshops

05/20/2026

Happy World Bee Day 🐝

When most people think of bees, they picture honeybees. But Alabama is home to hundreds of native bee species, including leafcutter bees, mason bees, sweat bees, carpenter bees, and tiny ground-nesting bees most people never notice.

A lot of them are better pollinators than honeybees.

Native plants give these species the food and habitat they evolved with, which is one reason we spend so much time building pollinator habitat around WaterWorks.

05/19/2026

🌿 Nature Merit Badge at WaterWorks 🌿

This summer, Scouts can complete the Nature Merit Badge through hands-on outdoor learning at the WaterWorks Environmental Learning Lab in Hartselle, Alabama.

June 2 or June 4
$25 per Scout

Workshops are led by registered Merit Badge Counselors, and Scouts will complete requirements and leave with a signed blue card at the end of the day.

🌎 Environmental Science Merit Badge dates are available too!

👉 Register at: waterworksedu.org/meritbadge