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!
Download
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment