Students learn about watersheds with a hands on watershed model

Students also learn that there are many ways to demonstrate a watershed

Even a tarp can demonstrate how water flows in a watershed

Students were given materials to make their own take home watershed models

An example of a completed model

Students printed animal tracks using molds of various animals feet

Tracks were then identified

All students were given tracking guides to take home

Students also created plant wheels so that they would be able to identify wetland plants

Students pause at a trail head marker for instruction

Dave digs up a cattail for demonstration purposes

Cattails spread via their roots as well as seed dispersal

Students view the "you are here" wetland signage

Dave points out invasive species

Invasive Japaneses Honeysuckle is extremely prevalent in the wetlands

Swamp Milkweed is particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects

Students plant dogwoods along the stream bank

The dogwoods will help to reduce erosion

These dogwoods will tolerate the wet conditions of the soil

The trees were provided compliments of the South Fayette Conservation Group

Every student had the opportunity to plant a tree

Arrowhead plants are hydrophytic plants found in wetlands

Everyone loves searching for macroinvertebrates

Nets are used to explore the pond

Specimens are gently handled and placed in containers filled with pond water

Tadpoles

Water Boatman

Diving Beetle

Water strider

Tadpoles with legs

Dragonfly larvae

More developed dragonfly larvae

Macroinvertebrates are good water quality indicators

A wide variety along with a large number of specimens indictes good water quality

The specimens are held only briefly in the containers so that all students can observe and identify them

Specimens are then returned to the area where they were captured

Monarch butterfly

Great Horned Owl pellets can be dissected to learn what the owls are preying upon

By identifying the species eaten by the owls, the habitats for those species can be identified and preserved

Even the smallest vertebrae can be identified

Skulls are a great way of identifying the prey

By preserving the prey's habitat, you preserve the predator

Clean water in our watershed is critical for the survival of both predator and prey

By studying the owl pellets, students make connections between the food web and the environment

Students were also given bird house kits so that they could add a nest box to their own backyard

A finished nest box proudly displayed

Everyone loves Ms. Verna and the animals that she brings to the classroom

Ms Verna brings animals that the children can touch or hold

Ms. Verna has special permits which allow her possess these animals and use them for educational purposes

Students learn why animals should never be taken from the wild to become pets

This bird was abducted out of it's rainforest home

Confiscated by the authorities, it is now used as an education animal

By bringing these animals into the classroom, students gain a greater appreciation for preserving the habitats that support these animals.

Healthy habitats require clean water

You can make a difference in your watershed

Pollution prevention is everyone's responsibility

Crayfish cannot survive in polluted waters

Ms. Verna explains the anatomy of a crayfish

Toad

Frog

Ms.Verna brings skeletons of the animals

She also brings x-rays

Salamander

Southern Rainbow Skink

The box turtles love to eat mealworms

Everyone got a close up view of each animal

Preserved snake skeleton

Snake x-ray

Everyone took turns holding the snake

Students prepare to tie-dye t-shirts with pigments harvested from AMD settlement ponds

The rubber bands create the patterns in the shirts

The AMD pigments are also used in paints and cosmetics

The students also play predator and prey games

This game featured daphnia and dragonfly larvae

The predator/prey game was a great way to wrap up a week of the importance of wetlands and clean water