EnviroScape Models

An EnviroScape model is a 3-D self-contained mini watershed. It allows students to observe and simulate, in real-time, the interactions of precipitation with various land-use practices and the impacts they have on streams, lakes, water supplies, and groundwater. An EnviroScape model allows you to simulate many sources of both point and nonpoint source pollution, create floods, pave over a field here, plant a buffer there and see what happens.

EnviroScape models have been provided to several hosts throughout the state of Alabama, by Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education. All EnviroScape models may be checked out by teachers, schools, or other educational organizations by contacting the host in your area.

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We all live in a watershed with water pollution from many sources. Nonpoint sources contribute a great deal to the pollution in our water bodies. The combined effect of pollution from many small sources can have a real impact on the quality of our shared water resources.

EnviroScape® Watershed/Nonpoint Source tracks pollution from point and nonpoint sources, including

Nonpoint Sources

  • Residential areas
  • Stormwater
  • Forestry areas
  • Transportation
  • Recreation
  • Agriculture and construction


Point Sources

  • Factory
  • Sewage treatment plant
  • Storm drains

The Watershed/Nonpoint Source unit includes: Nonpoint source landscape top (topographical map) with the storm drain pipe, clear base, houses, barn, factory, drain pipe, treatment plant, trees, golf flags, cows, cars, and best management practices such as buffer strips, clay berms, manure container, soil, oils and chemicals (cocoa, drink mixes and oil mix), bridges, water catcher, rainmaker, water plug, and User’s Guide.

Stormwater pollution and runoff are visually apparent when rain falling over the landscape top carry soil (cocoa), chemicals (colored drink mixes), and oil (cocoa and water mixture) through a watershed to a body of water. Stormwater runoff and storm drain function are also addressed.

Best management practices include felt buffer strips as vegetation, clay to create berms, and other methods to show conservation and water pollution prevention measures at work. The model shows nonpoint source pollution and the steps everyone can take to help prevent environmental contamination.

EnviroScape Watershed/Nonpoint Source also teaches an overall watershed concept. Two waterways flow into a larger water body, which is representative of a lake, river, bay, or ocean. The unit comes complete with a kit containing everything you need to demonstrate the movement of water through a watershed and the pollution that runoff may cause.

Host Locations

Jacksonville, Alabama 
JSU Field Schools – Jacksonville State University 
Contact Person: Rebekah Taylor 
rmtaylor@jsu.edu
700 Pelham Road North, Suite 246 Martin, 
Jacksonville, AL 36265 
(256) 845-3548

Auburn, Alabama 
Auburn University 
Alabama Water Watch 
Contact Person: Carolina Ruiz 
awwprog@auburn.edu 
559 Devall Drive 
Auburn University, AL 36849
(334)-844-4785 

Birmingham, Alabama 
Cahaba River Society 
Contact Person: La’Tanya Scott 
latanyas@cahabariversociety.org 
2713 7th Avenue S, Suite 205 
Birmingham, AL 35233 
(205) 322-5326 

Dothan, Alabama 
Landmark Park 
Contact Person: Kely Curington
education@landmarkparkdothan.com
430 Landmark Drive 
Dothan, AL 36303 
(334) 794-3452 

Huntsville, Alabama 
Contact Person: Alma Huston 
alsie5472@gmail.com 
2800 Day Circle
Huntsville, AL 35801

Gulf Shores, Alabama
Learning Center at Gulf State Park
Contact Person: Kate Colman
kcoleman@learningcampusgsp.com
21196 East Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Montgomery, Alabama 
Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education 
Contact Person: Penny Ragland 
penny@legacyenved.org 
P. O. Box 3813 (mailing) 
Montgomery, AL 36109 

***Legacy also hosts the Wetlands, and the Landfill EnviroScape Models.