Fall 12' Playa Festivals

This season the Ogallala Commons conducted 7 playa festivals including kids from the Texas panhandle and eastern New Mexico. The festivals were put together and operated by Darryl Birkenfeld and Julie Hodges with the assistance of speakers from Texas Tech, West Texas A&M University, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife services, the South Plains Wildlife Rehab in Lubbock TX, as well as independent professionals. 

 

The first festival was on Thursday September 27^th in Dora NewMexico for the 5^th graders of Dora NM, Whiteface TX, and Morton TX. The festival was headed by Julie Hodges. Presentations were given by Justin Trammell, a graduate student at West Texas A&M University, Jim Steiert, an outdoor writer from Herford TX, Tish Stewart, an educator form Clovis NM, and Julie Hodges from the Ogallala Commons. The presentations were started by Julie Hodges who gave presentations on basic playa facts as well as the importance and how to keep a nature journal. The kids were then split into four groups which rotated between the four speakers. Justin Trammell gave a presentation on the micro, and macro-invertebrates found in playa lakes and the ecosystems that accompany them. Jim Steiert gave a presentation on waterfowl that can be found in playa lakes as well as the importance of buffers for playa lakes. Tish Stewart gave a presentation on the composition of playa soils and what makes them unique as well as the different species of plants that are associated with playa lakes. Julie Hodges gave a presentation on bird identification. After the rotations were over lunch was served. After lunch the kids loaded on to busses and were driven to a local playa where they were able to get out and experience all you can find in playas. With the help of the presenters the kids found funnel web spiders, spike rushes, ornate box turtles, and many other types of plants and animals. The kids collected the things they found for their classroom projects. After the kids had explored the playa the festival came to a close.

The second festival was held on October 3^rd in Nazareth Texas for the 5^th graders of Farwell and Nazareth. The festival was headed by Darryl Birkenfeld. Presentations were given by Justin Trammell, a graduate student at West Texas A&M University, Jim Steiert, an outdoor writer from Herford TX, Jimmy Walker, a graduate student from West Texas A&M University, and Darryl Birkenfeld, director of Ogallala Commons. The kids met at the Home Mercantile in Nazareth, TX. The first presentation was by Darryl Birkenfeld who went over basic playa facts, the water cycle, and the importance of nature journals. The kids were then transported just south of Nazareth to the Playa Classroom. There they were split into three groups who rotated between the speakers. Justin Trammell gave a presentation on the micro, and macro-invertebrates found in playa lakes and the ecosystems that accompany them. Jim Steiert gave a presentation on waterfowl that can be found in playa lakes as well as the importance of buffers for playa lakes. Jimmy Walker gave a presentation on playa raptors and their importance in the ecosystem. The kids then came back to the Home Mercantile where they ate lunch, after which the festival was concluded. 

  Intern Justin Trammell giving a presentation on the Micro and Macro-invertebrates found in playa lakes

Little "J" consuming a mouse

                    

The third festival was held on October 9^th in Canadian Texas for the 5^th graders of Canadian. The Festival was headed by Darryl Birkenfeld. . Presentations were given by Justin Trammell, a graduate student at West Texas A&M University, Jim Steiert, an outdoor writer from Herford TX, Jimmy Walker, a graduate student from West Texas A&M University, Janet Guthrie, who is with the Hemphill County UWCD, and Darryl Birkenfeld, director of Ogallala Commons. The students were split into two groups who attended presentations by Darryl Birkenfeld and Jim Steiert. The first presentation was given by Jim Steiert on the Highplains water cycle and why it matters. It was then followed by Darryl Birkenfeld who gave a presentation on how to keep and the importance of nature journals. The students were then split into three groups who listened to presentations by Justin Trammell, Jimmy Walker, and Jim Steiert. Justin Trammell gave a presentation on the micro, and macro-invertebrates found in playa lakes and other bodies of water and the ecosystems that accompany them. Jim Steiert gave a presentation on waterfowl that can be found in aquatic systems as well as the importance of buffers for aquatic systems. Jimmy Walker gave a presentation on raptors and their importance in the ecosystem.

 Justin Trammell and Micro-invertebrates

 The students and presenters then ate lunch after which Janet Guthrie who gave a presentation over water budgets and how to better conserve water, after which the students and presenters traveled to the Canadian River where the students collected organisms and plants from the river ecosystem. 

Intern Justin Trammell helping students capture organisms from the river

Damselfly

These included whirly-gig beetles, minnows, spike rush, willows, and wolf spiders as well as many other numerous plants and animals. At the end Justin Trammell gave an overview of salt cedar and how it affects our area as well as the salt cedar beetle and its current effects on slat cedar populations. The students then went back to school which concluded the festival. 

Learning about salt cedar and the beetle that eats it

Intern Justin Trammell and Director Darryl Birkenfeld assist students with identification

The fourth festival was held on October 16^th in Sudan, Texas for the 5^th graders of Sudan and Amhurst. The festival was headed by Julie Hodges.  Presentations were given by Justin Trammell, a graduate student at West Texas A&M University, Jim Steiert, an outdoor writer from Herford TX, Julie Hodges from the Ogallala Commons, and Gail Barnes with South Plains Wildlife Rehab in Lubbock TX. Julie Hodges started the morning by giving a presentation on basic playa facts as well as the importance and how to keep a nature journal. The students were then split into two groups who listened to a presentation by Justin Trammell over the micro and macro-invertebrates found in playa lakes as well as another presentation by Julie Hodges on playa plants and soils. The students then ate lunch and boarded busses which took them to Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge. Once they arrived at the refuge they listened to a presentation by Jim Steiert gave a presentation on waterfowl that can be found in playa lakes as well as the importance of buffers for playa lakes as well as a presentation by Gail Barnes on the local raptors and their importance in the ecosystem. The students then toured the refuge led by Jude Smith, the manager of the refuge. The students toured Paul’s Lake where they were able to see many different types of waterfowl, sandhill cranes and even a coyote as well collect items for their class’s scavenger bags, after which the festival concluded and the students returned to their prospective schools. 

The fifth festival was held on October 18^th on the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge for the high school students of an alternative high school in Pep, TX. The Festival was headed by Julie Hodges. Presentations were given by Justin Trammell, a graduate student at West Texas A&M University, Jim Steiert, an outdoor writer from Herford TX,  Julie Hodges from the Ogallala Commons, and Gail Barnes with South Plains Wildlife Rehab in Lubbock TX. Julie Hodges started the morning by giving a presentation on basic playa facts as well as the importance and how to keep a nature journal. The students were then split into three groups who listened to presentations by Justin Trammell, Jim Steiert, and Gail Barnes. Justin Trammell gave a presentation on the micro, and macro-invertebrates found in playa lakes and the ecosystems that accompany them. Jim Steiert gave a presentation on waterfowl that can be found in playa lakes as well as the importance of buffers for playa lakes. Gail Barnes gave a presentation on local raptors and their importance in the ecosystem. The students then ate lunch and went on a guided tour of the refuge led by Jude Smith. The students toured Paul’s Lake where they observed many different types of waterfowl as well as a salina. The students filled their scavenger bags with feathers, natural salt, mummified predaceous diving beetles, and mummified tiger salamanders as well as many other natural wonders. After which the students returned to school and examined their findings concluding the festival. 

Gail and her friends

Getting down to the nitty gritty of aquatic sampling

Learning about wildlife guzzlers and rainwater harvesting

The sixth festival was held on October 23^rd in Clovis New Mexico for the 5^th graders of Zia Elementary school. The festival was headed by Julie Hodges.  Presentations were given by Justin Trammell, a graduate student at West Texas A&M University, Jim Steiert, an outdoor writer from Herford TX, Julie Hodges from the Ogallala Commons, and Robert Martin from the Nature Conservancy. Julie Hodges started the morning by giving a presentation on basic playa facts as well as the importance and how to keep a nature journal. The students were then split into three groups who listened to presentations by Justin Trammell, Jim Steiert, and Robert Martin. Justin Trammell gave a presentation on the micro, and macro-invertebrates found in playa lakes and the ecosystems that accompany them. Jim Steiert gave a presentation on waterfowl that can be found in playa lakes as well as the importance of buffers for playa lakes. Robert Martin gave a presentation over the amphibians and reptiles found in playa lakes. After which the students ate lunch and then walked to a close by playa-turned-park. With the help of the presenters the students explored the playa and filled their scavenger bags with feathers and plants. They also got to observe checkered garter snakes. After the students finished collecting they walked back to the school and examined their items concluding the festival.

The final festival was held on October 29^th on Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge  for the 4^th grade students of Bella Vista Elementary school in Clovis, NM. The festival was headed by Julie Hodges.  Presentations were given by Justin Trammell, a graduate student at West Texas A&M University, Jim Steiert, an outdoor writer from Herford TX, Julie Hodges from the Ogallala Commons, and Jessica Kissner, a graduate student at Texas Tech University. Julie gave a short introduction after which the students attended presentations by Justin Trammell, Jim Steiert, and Jessica Kissner. Justin Trammell gave a presentation on the micro, and macro-invertebrates found in playa lakes and the ecosystems that accompany them. Jim Steiert gave a presentation on waterfowl that can be found in playa lakes as well as the importance of buffers for playa lakes. Jessica Kissner gave a presentation on the amphibians and reptiles found in the area. After the presentation the students ate lunch then went on a guided tour with Jude Smith, the manager of Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge. The students toured Paul’s Lake and observed many different types of waterfowl as well as some sandhill cranes. The students also got to experience the natural salt left by the salina and fill their scavenger bags with different types of feathers and bones, including a sandhill crane skull and a mummified tiger salamander. The students then traveled back to Clovis concluding the festival. 

The importance of vocabulary

Yummy! Mummified salamanders and bird skulls!

This concludes the playa festivals for fall 12’. Keep an eye out for upcoming events such as the playa field day on November 10^th as well as a spring playa festival for Portales, NM and the Ogallala Commons annual conference.

Teresa Gonzales - Castro County Playa Festival

The Fifth Annual Castro County Playa Festival was held in Nazareth, Texas on October 25, 2011.  The Festival was attended by approximately 100 students and teachers.  Buses arrived at the Home Mercantile filled with excited students prepared for a great day of learning.  Students began the day with a session on how to keep a nature journal.  It was presented by Julie Hodges, OC Education Director, whose enthusiasm and love for nature is exemplified in her own nature journal.  After clear directions and journals in hand, the students are prepared for their anticipated outdoor experience.
Our goal is not only to teach students about High Plains water and the importance of conservation but also raise an awareness of the beauty of nature including live raptors (rare and beautiful owls),  learning about waterfowl and playa buffers (topics new and fresh that apply to our very own communities),  and finally, experiencing a playa first-hand (giving students an opportunity to explore, make observations and drawing conclusions on their own).  We believe very student can succeed to their potential given the opportunity.

Mississippi Kite Bird perched on Gail's hand 

Students were divided into four rotating groups for the four presentations.  Teachers marked each students' hand with their group number to avoid any confusion.  Our live raptor presentation was given by Gail Barnes of the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Lubbock, Tx.  This presentation was a big success as Gail describes and explains details of the habitats and characteristics of her owls.  Students were amazed at the beauty of the uncaged owls perched on Gail's hand.  I think Pippin and Titan were the students all-time favorites!
Our next session was the Playa Lake Buffers and Waterfowl demonstration by  Jim Steiret an author and waterfowler.  We were pleasantly surprised by an unexpected visitor,  a Northern Harrier!  He is the first winter bird to visit this year. (While it may not be the first one to visit this year, it is the first one we have seen.)
Darryl Birkenfeld, OC Executive Director and Teresa Gonzales, Educator and OC Intern, combined to present "what is a Playa" and "Playa Soils".  Using the outdoor classroom, students completed a T-Chart on Top Soil and Randall Clay. The educational panels proved to be very useful in the discussion of playas. The panels include maps and illustrations that gave the students a better understanding of  the history of playas, where they are, why they are unique to our region,  and the wildlife that thrives here.  Finally, students were able to make observations of what a playa might look like in a normal rain year by the use of the playa jars.  A great visual model!


Students enjoy a day of exploring and journaling on the playa

 The last group was presented by Julie Hodges and Teresa Gonzales combined to guide the students on the Playa Tour.  Students were given the opportunity to explore the playa and  encouraged to collect  vegetation, snails, or even clay for further investigation.  Students were successful in finding and identifying orb snails, blue weed, dodder, and spikerush...all present despite this drought year.
As always, teachers were encouraged to collect Randall clay for future classroom playa jars!   This project has endless possibilities for learning as it is constantly changing as the seeds grow and the eggs to hatch for all to see!   We have one educator in Dora, N.M. who utilizes playa jars to create an environment for constant observations and communication.  Every student has their own playa jar to observe individually or compare with others in the class.
We strive for all students to be successful and excited about learning...Playa Festivals are a valuable tool that should be utilized by any school district that believes in a full experience of learning.

Teresa Gonzales - Barry Playa Festival Clovis, New Mexico

Barry Elemenatry in Clovis, New Mexico was a great place to visit and a super place to teach!  We were greeted by Ms. Mohaughton, Ms. May, Ms. Burnett, and 36 eager fifth graders who accompanied us in a day of learning  and great adventure.  These eductors are enthusiastic and excited about our program of teaching through hands-on activities and outdoor learning.   We began our journey in the Barry Elementary Library where Julie Hodges, our Education Director,  introduced the day with a visual presentation on what playas are, where they come from and why they are important followed by a presentation on nature journals and their value, presented by Teresa Gonzales, Educator and OC Intern.  After a brief  investigation of soils and their differences, we proceeded our rotating groups of Jim Steiret, waterfowler and author, Robert Martin, from the Nature Conservancy in Clovis, New Mexico and Joe Whitehead with the NRCS in Clovis, New Mexico.  Each bringing vital information for a clear understanding of the importance of preserving our natural resources.
Jim Steiret demonstrates the importance of lake buffers and how they help preserve playas.  He checks for student understanding and challenges them to explain ratio to him in relation to playa buffers.  The water fowl demonstration was a big hit, as usual, identifying birds by their markings and color.  He informed the students that it will require a quiet approach to get close enough to get a good look at the wildlife upon arriving at our designated playa (the first one I have seen this year with water in it ...awesome!).  Robert Martin brings  yet another layer of excitement to learning by sharing his reptiles and amphibians!  He was assisted by Tish Stewart, an upcoming OC Intern.  Robet and Tish shared toads, frogs, salamanders, snakes and the all-time favorite, Ms. McLuven, Robert's personal snapping turtle!  

The true star of the day is, Ms. McLuven, a beautiful snapping turtle that weighs 6-8 pounds now but will weigh 50 pounds at full term and has a life span of 40-50 years!

 



Students were amazed and  full of questions.  Joe Whitehead from NRCS in Clovis uses humor and music for his presentation. Topics covered are the Ogallala Aquifer and watersheds.  The students  participated as he brought his presentation to life using music. I loved his "Jewels of the Plains" and his "Water Song." The message that Mr. Whitehead delivers is that our playas are necessary but suffering due to roads, farming techniques, and the lack of awareness that our society has about our natural world.  In Mr. Whitehead's words, "Take care of what we have, now that we know."  He made a believer out of me!

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With the best yet to come and their curisosity level pretty high level, we proceeded to a local playa.  To my surprise, this playa was well preserved by the community and was a place where people actually visit and enjoy.  There are posted signs for the walking trail which is very nice and allows a wonderful view of nature and wildlife (really peaceful).  The trail measured one and one-eighth miles.  I observed at least ten walkers in the short time we were there.  None seemed intimidated by the school bus and 36 excited fifth-graders!  They just kept coming!  This is a true example of what more communities should be doing with our precious playas. 

Teresa Gonzales - Farwell Playa Festival

This was a very productive Festival! The 45 fifth graders that attended were excited to be there and well prepared by Ms. O'Hare and other teachers. The students' nature journal covers illustrated a good understanding of not only what a playa looks like but how it drains into the Ogallala Aquifer. Inside the journal, I observed a (modified) Beaufort Scale for land. This chart is set up to identify force, windspeed and observational description. The teachers also included the vocabulary list that students seemed pretty familiar with as they used it in their interactions with their peers and during feedback. It was very clear that Farwell used the available resources. Julie Hodges, The Ogalla Commons Education Director, is a great resource for teachers interested in preview lessons or follow-up lessons to our presenations. Not only has she developed a binder of great lessons and ideas to piggy-back off of but she developed a trunk with experiements that will save educators much needed time in planning and preparing for projects. Notify Julie Hodges for more information. Julie's presentation was very effective. The students were able to pull from prior knowledge as their teachers set the foundation before we arrived. The students were quite proud of the journals and were ready to learn more about what goes into the journal and how this will help them in the future. Julie does a great job of including art and mapping in her presenation and discussing the importance of gathering information on paper other than in text text form. Assignment:  1.Complete daily log 2. Find an unusal object 3. Ask yourself a question about this object 4.  Draw the Object  5. Write a reflection With instructions in hand the students were eager to load the bus and go out to the Ogallala Classroom! Gail Barnes with the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Lubbock, Tx. was good enough to come out and share some wonderful raptors with the students. She brought five owls that are very different in nature but beautiful to look at and ask yourself questions about. I was honored to assist her in her presentation. I was allowed to have a beautiful bird I have only seen in pictures actually perch on my hand . The owl understood "up, up, up" meant cool it and "wings down." of course meant please don't try to fly away. They also like a soothing voice which was good for me cause I needed to know that it was a calm raptor! I hope I get to have that experience again. Wow. Jim Steiret, author and waterfowler shared his playa buffer demonstration and discussed ratios. The best ratio for a playa buffer is 3:1. Of course, not everyone can do this; 2:1 is okay and 1:1 is much better than nothing to protect the playa.. He is great at what he does. I learn more each time I observe or assist in his presentation. His waterfowl presentation is always interesting with his sound effects to identify bird calls, feathers, and his carved birds for his display. Students identify feathers to models and learn how the birds were named...by their markings. Students were very attentive. Julie Hodges and I worked on the "What is a playa" and the "Soils" presentation. This was a big hit because we were able to utilize the outdoor classroom for our demonstrations. The students enjoyed the information boards and even took pictures of them.. For our nature walk, the students gathered plants, soild and observed the deep cracks in the ground from the contracting clay beneath their feet. I'd like to mention the two young fifth grade scientists that stood out in my mind are Clay and Thomas. Clay has some great questions and was eager to participate in discussion and Thomas was a great gatherer of information. He has a great attitude toward learning and I forsee great things for him. He volunteered to collect soil for his teacher for their own "playa jar" and class project! These students are excited about learning thanks to the enthusiasm that their teachers bring to learning. Great job, Farwell!

Teresa Gonzales - Mesa Playa Festival

This festival was truly a great learning experience for the 97 fifth graders at Mesa Elementary School in Clovis, New Mexico. We were welcomed into a school that displays great pride and respect. students' artwork is displayed throughout the school from framed clay-artwork to painted tiles in the entrance area. The students at Mesa Elementary practice the six pillars of character which, in my opinion, lays the foundation for  learning in a safe environment and and a greater opportunity to reach the students' potential. Presenters at this festival included Robert Martin with the Nature Conservancy in Clovis, New Mexico. Joe Whitehead with NRCS in Clovis, Darryl Berkinfeld, Ogallala Commons Executive Director, Julie Hodges, OC Education Director, and myself, Teresa Gonzales, Educator and OC Intern. Robert Martin had a great reaction from the students as he presented his "Amphibians and Reptiles." He brought along a variety of frogs and snakes but his all-time favorite is his personal pet, Ms.Mc Luven. A snapping turtle he has possessed for about 5 years. He acquired it when she was just the size of a silver dollar and now she weighs a whopping 6-8 pounds. He said she eats just about anything including dog food, an occasional weiner (in 2 bites!) or 40-50 goldfish! The students enjoyed this presentation and asked him to come back. Joe Whitehead from NRCS in Clovis shined in his presentation using humor and music. The students wanted to participate as he brought his presentation to life using music. My favorite was listening to  "Jewels of the Plains" and his "Water Song" played on his guitar. The message in the songs that Mr. Whitehead delivers/writes is that our playas are necessary for survival but  are suffering due to roads, farming techniques, and the lack of education that our society has about how important playas are and  to "Take care of what we have, now that we know." Darryl Birkenfeld is the presenter for Playas. What they are how they got here, and what they do on the High Plains water cycle. I assisted in this presentation while students were tasked to compare top soil and clay using a T-Chart. They discover that there is a huge difference in the types of soils they are dealing with. They also make oral observation of the playa jars which we encourage all teachers to have in their classroom. These are a great class project as it will keep students engaged in making observations as the playa in a jar is constantly changing and will raise an awareness in nature that the students may not possess. Julie Hodges prepared the students for the day with a presentation on Nature Journaling. She begins with basic information a daily journal include then emphasizes the that journals are personal and can be completed in the form of text or artwork including mapping. With their Affective Filtered lowered, students are more likely to enjoy the journal and express themselves in a way that they are not accustomed to!

Teresa Gonzales - Bella Vista Playa Festival

This is a great place to be!  The history of this school is interesting and a great place to visit.    Lincoln Jackson Arts Academy merged with Arts Academy in 2006 to form what is known today as Arts Academy @ Bella Vista Elementary School. This school serves K-6 grades with about 500 student enrollment.   The school promotes creativity in thinking by embracing art as an avenue to express yourself.  As you enter the building, the first thing I noticed was the soft music and decor.  Student artwork is displayed throughout the building including ceiling tiles painted by students.   The students were excited and prepared for some great presentations.  Presenters for the 76 fifth graders students at Bella Vista included Darryl Birkenfeld, OC Executive Director, Joe Whitehead with NRCS, Robert Martin with the Nature Conservancy, and Teresa Gonzales, Educator and OC Intern.  Mrs. Milliron  did a great job of preparing the students for our visit  and we enjoyed a great lunch in their hospitality room.Robert Martin had a great reaction from the students as he presented his "Amphibians and Reptiles." He brought along a variety of frogs and snakes but his all-time favorite is his personal pet, Ms. Mc Luven. A snapping turtle he has possessed for about 5 years. He acquired it when she was just the size of a silver dollar and now she weighs a whopping 6-8 pounds! The snapping turtle eats just about anything including dog food, an occasional weiner (in 2 bites!) or 40-50 goldfish! The students enjoyed this presentation and asked him to come back next year!  Joe Whitehead from NRCS in Clovis nailed his presentation using humor and music. The students wanted to participate as he brought his presentation to life using music. I loved his "Jewels of the Plains" and his "Water Song." The message in the songs that Mr. Whitehead delivers is that our playas are necessary but suffering due to roads, farming techniques, and the lack of education that our society has about how important it is to "Take care of what we have, now that we know." Darryl Birkenfeld is the presenter for Playas. What they are,  how they got here, and what they do on the High Plains water cycle. Students were tasked with comparing top soil and clay using a T-Chart. They discovered that there is a huge difference in the types of soils they are dealing with. They also made oral observation of the playa jars which we encourage all teachers to have in their classroom. These are a great class project as it will keep students engaged in making observations as the playa in a jar is constantly changing and will raise an awareness in nature that the students may not possess. I prepared the students for the day with a presentation on Nature Journaling. I began with with basic information on keeping a daily journal.  They observed a student map in a nature journal where we discussed just how many details were included in the sketch and how useful this tool is in writing.  The last objective is to write a poem or a reflection.  We had fun here!
                                                       Our Leopard Frog
                                                      Was sitting on a log
                                                         In the dense fog
                                       When he was approached by a hungry hog
                                                   He thought," I'll go for jog!"
These festivals are getting better and better!  Julie Hodges, The Education Coordinator, has done a great job of forwarding agendas, preview lessons and needed vocabulary to our educators before our arrival.  This has proven to enhance the learning of fifth grade students all over the High Plains.

Teresa Gonzales - Hemphill County Water Festival

One day after the Festival in Panhandle, Darryl Birkenfeld and Jim Steiert continued east on U.S. Highway 60 to "The Emerald City" of Canadian. There, our veteran faculty members teamed up with Hemphill County Underground Water Conservation District to present a Water Festival to 75 5th Graders from Baker Elementary School in Canadian. A star attraction for the day was Mr. Bob Rogers from Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. over at the Gene Howe Wildlife Managment Area, who brought a demonstration that included the 5 turtles of the Texas Panhandle: softshell, ornate box, yellow mud, and two kinds of snapping turtles. Mr. Rogers' stories were even more fun and interesting than the turtles! After a great presentation on using math to measure aquifer levels by Janet Guthrie, General Manager of Hemphill County UWCD, students and teachers boarded buses and drove out to the Canadian River. On their field trip, students observed water spiders, minnows, dozens of wetland plants, and just basked in the warm autumn sun under the Canadian River Wagon Bridge. Students and teachers all agreed that it was a great day filled with learning and adventure!