|
|
| The fire crew, Serrah Kibler and Randy Gossage, demonstrate some of their equipment. |
|
 |
Every year LSWCD 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. LSWCD 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.
|
| Instructor Megan Johnson explains the life cycles of anadromous fish to a group of students. |
|
| Robert Barkley, from the Idaho Department of Lands, talks about forestry management practices. |
|
|
|
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
| 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 LSWCD 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.
|
|
