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Education & Outreach

News from the Education Committee
Winter 2009 - 2010

The Education Committee has completed its first year of monthly family programs. We have reviewed the individual programs and are ready for another exciting year.

Water Quality Basics

In September, several people trekked to Apple Canyon Lake to attend this new program about watersheds and how different land uses can affect water movement across the landscape, as well as subsequent water quality.

Staff had borrowed an Enviroscape to illustrate these concepts but, without any kids in attendance, did not have to use it and thus avoided making a mess that is often the highlight of this prop. Participants took a water sample from the lake and tested for pH, nitrates, and phosphates and were surprised that no nitrates or phosphates were found despite high turbidity (water clarity).

Program leader, Dan Wenny, declared that further study is needed! There were many questions about groundwater, and that topic will be incorporated into next years improved and expanded program.

Mammals & Skulls

In October, another group gathered to learn how different diets and life strategies are reflected in the shape of an animal's skull and teeth. The younger members who attended made animal masks and really enjoyed the program.

Looking Forward

More exciting programs are already scheduled for 2010, including these longstanding programs:

• Earth Day in Elizabeth with the Fox and Raptor guys
• Outdoor Education Days at Camp Benson
• Our library program

Next year we plan to give nature magazine subscriptions to the 12 Jo Daviess and Carroll County libraries.

As we completed our budget for next year, we found that we have one item that is costly but would be a real asset to several of our programs. It's called an EnviroScape® and is a real hands-on model for teaching about watersheds and the many factors that affect our water quality. The cost of this item is $1,138. We are putting this on our Christmas wish list. If anyone could recommend a sponsor that may want to help us purchase this item, please contact me.

We are also very pleased to have Dan Wenny working with us. We will miss Christie Trifone, but we know we will continue to see her at the JDCF functions.

— Debbie Pausz and Deb Kelly