The Toys on 365 are observing World Water Monitoring Day this week, focusing on monitoring and protecting our water resources. I corralled the two marine reptiles (Mososaurus and Plesiosaurus) and took them on a walk down to a couple of storm drains two blocks away. I wanted to show them the stickers that have been placed on the storm drains in the area. They say "No Dumping - Drains to River."
I figured this would be a teachable moment -- an opportunity to explain that when we have a big rain, any trash, chemicals, etc that have been dumped in the street can get swept down that drain and go straight into the river, polluting the water. Manhattan sits at the confluence of two rivers -- the Big Blue River and the Kansas (or "Kaw") River -- and it's everyone's responsibility to protect those rivers. The two dinosaurs (* see note) were suitably impressed.
We cleared some leaves away from the drain, before we did the photo shoot. They can clog the drains and sewer system.
The Plesiosaurus peered over the lip of the pavement, which made me rather nervous. He was too close to the edge for my comfort and I sure didn't want HIM to go down the drain and on into the river. I didn't say anything though. I've been trying to nag less, and trust they'll exercise common sense with regard to safety.
* Note: online just now I saw a reference to prehistoric marine reptiles that said "Although technically not dinosaurs..." I was shocked, as I'm sure these two consider themselves to be equally 'dinosaur' as the rest of the bunch (excepting Neanderthal Man, of course). I'll look into the matter more -- check with Frank who is the authority on these matters. However, I do NOT plan to divide this group of fast friends, and segregate the Mososaurus and Plesiosaurus into a separate Marine Reptile section. They are all dinosaurs, as far as I'm concerned!
Once again Mary a delightful story illustrated perfectly by your dinosaurs (i'll continue to call them that instead of marine reptiles)! I was just a bit stressed myself to see them so close to the edge but glad to hear that they survived without any incident!
