The fourth grade class spent April 29 working at CSU’s Environmental Learning Center to improve the river habitat for trout as well as many other animals that depend on the Poudre River.
This project was part of Global Youth Service Day. Millions of children in 100 countries participate in the event annually.
Since 2006, Shepardson fourth graders have participated in Global Youth Service Day.
This year nine students, Colin Wilson, Kayla Christensen, Eric Bockhaus, Malek Haltam, Avery Merton, Freddie Haberecht, Amelia Leinbach, Eva Leinbach and Hiroka Chen, who are members of a group called Explorers selected learning center as their project.
With the help of their Explorers teacher, Cheryl Gratias, the group collected information about the natural areas and wildlife at the center. They also got help with their research from the Department of Wildlife and the city of Fort Collins. The nine students then combined their findings into a presentation that they shared with their classmates.
Once the entire class was aware of the needs at the learning center, it was time to get to work. CSU students and center staff members Adam Pitchford, Micha Davis, Casey Ehlinger and George Foster helped guide the kids through a safe and successful effort.
The students worked to improve the river habitat in two ways. The first part of the project involved gathering river rock from dry riverbed sites. These were then used to create small pools of slower, deeper water in the Poudre River. It was cold, wet work, but it will be a benefit to the fish population.
The second task required the fourth graders to move soil and rock to repair areas of erosion along the river.
When asked what she liked best about the day, Maria Crespin said, "My favorite part was going in the river because I was helping the fish and that made me feel great inside."
This was far from a field trip for the students. While they certainly enjoyed being outside and getting nature all over themselves, they were learning, too.
Student Scot Randolph wrote about the experience, "I learned that it is important to respect everything around you… like you want to be treated- either big or small."
Classmate Palmer Tetley said he learned, "…that kids can do a lot to help the environment."
