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On Friday, April 1, a fourteen-year tradition continued when over 200 Russell County 4th graders spent the day immersed in ten exciting stations at the annual Outdoor Eco Day hosted by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, and the Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.
Students explored ten different stations, 20 minutes each, and engaged in fun, interactive learning. Water quality and a macroinvertebrate study was presented by Alice Mandt, Coordinator for the Upper Cumberland River Basin; Sue Duncan discussed how threads can be made from rabbit fur and brought her rabbits and spinning wheel; Jamie Alton from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife presented Mammals of Kentucky; Liberty Nature Center staff Ben Gonzales and Ethan Wells brought birds of prey and talked about their rehabilitation program for injured birds; Scout Munday and Jason Stephens from the Kentucky Division of Waste Management talked about proper waste management and recycling and led students in fun game of recycle relay; Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Jonathan Oaks helped students learn about composting; Ranger Hensley from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers informed students about water safety, and Ranger Norton did a presentation on snakes; Friends of Wolf Creek NFH, Inc. Vice President Shevawn Foley talked about the life cycle of a trout, then led students through the hatchery building and raceways where the life cycle could be observed firsthand from the egg to adult trout stage. Volunteers Randy and Peggy Loyd set up an archery station for the students to learn proper archery techniques and gave them opportunity to practice.
Students, teachers and presenters alike left the day feeling uplifted and more knowledgeable, and an appreciation for the opportunity to be able to attend events once again was evident since the pandemic had halted many activities of this nature for a couple of years. Each teacher was presented with a goodie bag for the classroom that included science posters related to topics from the day, and many other reminders of a great Outdoor Eco experience.
