What Will the Future Bring?

What is a watershed and why does it matter?  That is the question I posed to the 5th graders from Lava Ridge Elementary last week when we met out at Skyliner Lodge.   As we began our day, we used our senses to take in the place and share what we observed.  Students saw and smelled the pines, felt the sun and chilly wind, saw birds and ground squirrels, and heard the rushing creek below.

 But the creek and the birds were not the only sounds we heard in the woods that day.  From the other side of the stream, we couldn't help but hear the rumblings and roarings of heavy machinery beginning a construction project which would lay new pipes to carry water for the city of Bend.  While it didn't make for the most serene nature experience, it was a relevant, real-life example of some of the important issues surrounding our natural areas.

After our observations, we hiked from the lodge down to our study site under the bridge on Tumalo Creek where we would explore the area as scientists and artists to help us determine the health of our stream.  With our scientist hats on, we got in the water and collected macroinvertebrates.  As we identified them, students learned that these creatures are excellent "bioindicators", since some are intolerant or sensitive to polluted water.  Based on the fact that we found many stoneflies and mayflies (both intolerant species), we were able to infer that our stream is relatively healthy! 

As artists, we spent time drawing stream sketches and using water from the creek to paint them with watercolors.  While carefully observing the area for our artwork, students observed healthy vegetation stabilizing the banks, woody debris in the stream helping to slow the water down, and areas of cover and shade for fish.  Our stream looks healthy and the artwork was beautiful!

 In addition to our pre-planned activities, students were also able to take some time to explore a bit on their own. On the first morning, a student found ice along the edge of stream---it was chilly!  Another boy found a dead snake in a shallow pool of water.  Others poured their energy into trying to be the one to build the highest structure of balanced rocks.  I think 10 rocks was the winner!  After spending the morning along and in the creek, the group left with new knowledge about an area that they hadn't explored before and many said they hope to come back to share this place with their families.

 As I waved goodbye to the kids along the stream with the construction vehicles towering behind them, the significance of that image was not lost on me.  While the future of the piping project still remains undecided and in debate, the importance of the health of Tumalo Creek and the surrounding area is not in question.  So, why should it matter to fifth graders?  Because this is part of their home.  Someday soon, THEY will be among the ones making the important decisions about this area, and their knowledge of and connections to this place will help to guide them.

~Kelly Beck 10/11/2012