Children who participate in this year's Neville Naturalist program may take it for granted that they can turn on their faucet anytime they choose and get a glass of water that won't make them sick.

But after a week of learning about water's different aspects and uses and the importance of keeping it clean, they might come away with a greater appreciation as they fill up their glasses.

The program, now in its eighth year and sponsored by Neville Green, will be held from June 16 to 26. There are 20 spots open for children ages 9 to 13.

Heather Martin, director, says students will study the different qualities of water and how it can be used as an indicator of environmental health.

Students will study the creatures who live in the water and visit an abandoned mine at Jennings Environmental Center to discover how acid mine runoff can affect the environment.

Participants tentatively will visit the Emsworth Locks and Dam to learn about the importance of controlling the river and take a tour of the water treatment plant there.

A Department of Environmental Resources representative will present a program on ground water, and a Fish and Boat Commission representative will help to conduct a stream study at Robin Hill Park in Moon Township.

A representative from Earth Force tentatively is scheduled to present a program on watersheds.

Students again will take notes in a daily journal, which, surprisingly, Heather says, they really enjoy. They can write, make drawings or attach stickers of fish or insects that the group is studying.

A nice aspect of the program, Heather says, is that students who have participated in Neville Naturalists in years past tend to mentor the new recruits.

"Sometimes, I don't have to say a word," she says.

The program is open to children from across the area, not just Neville Island.

Hours are 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Two days, tentatively June 19 and June 25, will be set aside for field trips and will be all-day events.

The program has received awards for 2006 Best Outreach Education Program for which it received a $500 grant through Ohio River Watershed Celebration.

For more information and to register, call Heather at 724-266-9339.