Second Annual Backyard Conservation Camp Held
Jerry Miller, CO LEP State Coordinator creates a land ethic with his conservation camps in southeast Colorado.
Youngsters from 4th to 8th grades got wet, captured water creatures, handled a snake, learned about conservation, and had two fun-filled days at one of two Backyard Conservation Camps hosted by the Haxtun and Sedgwick County Conservation Districts. “Aquatics” was this year’s theme according to Denise Swanson, Haxtun district manager.
Jerry Miller, District Conservation Technician for the two districts, led the daily events based upon the Aldo Leopold educational principle of striving for a land ethic to instill a love, a respect and an admiration for the land. Students were encouraged to observe, interpret nature and journal their thoughts reflecting on how all things in nature are interconnected and what effects personal actions may have on natural systems.
The young conservationists enjoyed nature walks, discovering the varied wildlife and plants living and growing in our riparian zones and considered various animal and plant relationships. Activities included studies of the food web, building water scopes to see beneath the water’s surface, influences of water quality, discovering the effects of erosion created by water and river health. The students erected a wood duck nesting box with the assistance of Matt Filsinger, biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The highlight of each camp was “RSI” — Riparian Scene Investigation. A scenario was laid out on a large sheet giving clues of animals and tracks, water situations and environmental concerns. The students had to decipher the situation and record their observations and conclusions.
The districts were assisted by personnel from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and contributions from Randy and Renee Weis, Darlene Weis, Phillips County Pheasants Forever, Haxtun Super and the Julesburg Family Market