Environmental educators from the Waccamaw Watershed Academy at Coastal Carolina University are working with the Horry County Stormwater Management Department and Charleston Aquatic Nurseries to sponsor a demonstration of the installation of floating wetlands. The demonstration will take place on Thursday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Strand Recreation Park at 9650 Scipio Lane (off Holmestown Road) in Myrtle Beach. The demonstration is free and open to the public.

Stormwater ponds are designed to remove and trap pollutants carried by storm runoff from rooftops, parking lots and sidewalks. Floating wetlands added to ponds are an alternative algae control method. Floating wetlands preserve water quality while using natural plants which not only beautifies ponds, but also provide habitat for everything from otters to fish to turtles and birds.

Property owners, homeowners' associations, management companies and interested citizens are encouraged to drop in throughout the event.

For more information call Megan Brown, 843-349-4023, or email mbrown@coastal.edu.