Environmental Journalism
During the summer of 2006, Rick Musser, professor of news and mass communications, developed a limited enrollment, specialized course that aimed to create awareness of water issues in the Wakarusa watershed. The watershed feeds Clinton Reservoir, a major source of water, flood control and recreation for the city of Lawrence and surrounding communities.
A class of seven KU journalism students spent the summer working on the in-depth, multimedia reporting project, partnering with the Lawrence Journal World and 6News to accomplish this innovative WaterLINK project.
The students' efforts resulted in a two-day series which ran in the Lawrence Journal World during Labor Day weekend. Below you'll find the published project articles.
- Bottle or Tap? Depends on the Taste By Megan Price
- Farmer’s friend also enemy to Clinton Lake By Sally Hardman
- Herbicide can get into drinking water By Liz Horsley
- Sediment growing problem at Clinton By Liz Horsley
- Expect busy summer when state cuts park fee By Erin Castaneda
- Limiting growth leaves some dry By Fred Davis
- Flood of ’51 gives rise to engineering project By Zak Beasley
- Need for dam still subject to debate By Zak Beasley
- Out of the Tap Photo Gallery
As a reflection component to the service-learning project, Musser's students were interviewed in taped "confessionals" throughout the summer semester. The final confessional can be viewed here.
Students also documented course progress utilizing electronic blogs. See below for interesting excerpts.
- First day of class, Clinton Lake June 7, 2006
- Scientist briefs environmental reporters June 8, 2006
- Springs, streams and groundwater oh my! June 13, 2006
- Shedding light on sedimentation June 20, 2006
- The ah-ha moment June 26, 2006
