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General Community Outreach --> Youth Outreach --> Producer Outreach --> Research
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On May 18 and 19, 2006 Spring Valley Reservoir was full of
more than anglers and campers. Over 250 students from seven schools around Latah County attended this year's 19th Annual
Conservation Awareness Days. The event is organized and hosted by the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District (Latah SWCD).
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| The fire crew, Serrah Kibler and Randy Gossage, demonstrate some of their equipment. |
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Every year Latah SWCD invites Latah County fifth and sixth
graders to participate in a field trip to Spring Valley Reservoir to get hands on experience in the field of Natural Resources.
Latah SWCD has been fortunate to have the unique opportunity to bring together different organizations and agencies from around
the area, and have them all together in one place for two days.
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| Instructor Megan Johnson explains the life cycles of anadromous fish to a group of students. |
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| Robert Barkley, from the Idaho Department of Lands, talks about forestry management practices. |
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| Tiege Ulschmid, from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, talks about wildlife management. |
It's a great opportunity for the students to experience first
hand what they are learning. While the students re-enact the journey of anadromous fish to the ocean, the resident Osprey
hunts fish in the reservoir, demonstrating one of the obstacles the fish must survive on their way to the ocean. All
the classes incorporate hands on activities using the resources from around Spring Valley Reservoir. Learning is made
fun, and encourages appreciation and respect for natural resources. Hopes are that the information the students take
with them, help guide youth to become more aware of what's around them.
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| The whole group listens to Heather Brurud from the WSU Raptor Club. |
The event begins with a presentation from the WSU Raptor Club where
everyone is able to view and learn about the birds. Students then spilt up into groups and rotate through different classes
learning from local professionals about soils, forests, outdoor survival, raptors, fish, wildlife, and forest fires.
Instructors represent a variety of agencies and organizations, including Dworshak Fish Hatchery, Idaho Department of Lands,
Latah Search and Rescue, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Washington State University Raptor Club, the US Department of
Agriculture and the US Forest Service.
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| Dave Uberuaga and Stewart Higgins explain the geologic history of the Palouse. |
The event has received positive feedback throughout the years
and gains support from around the community with donations of supplies, time, and professional expertise. It is a valuable
experience for the students as well as for the instructors, teachers, parents, and Latah SWCD staff. It helps everyone to
become more involved in the educational growth of the students around Latah County.
Acknowledgments: Thank you to the following organizations and businesses; Rosauers, Safeway, Troy Market,
Wal-Mart, and First Bank Northwest. Also, thank you to the agencies, organizations, and instructors who participated in the
event.
Photos by Patrick Adams, Information Technology and Outreach
Coordinator, Latah Soil and Water Conservation District.
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Leading Voluntary Conservation Efforts
Since 1940 Latah Soil
and Water Conservation District220 East Fifth Street,
Federal Building Room 212, Moscow, Idaho 83843-2964 USAlswcd@latahsoil.orgCopyright 2009 Latah Soil and Water Conservation
DistrictAll Rights Reserved
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