Big hearts help with outdoor program for teens
<p>FSPW outdoor education teacher Brian Baxter leads a class in the Ross Creek Cedars.</p>
<p>Standing: Brian Baxter, left, Doug Richey, Judy Richey, Chris Reichart and Bobbie McCanse. Kneeling: Bert the service dog, left, Edwina Smith and Scot Wysowski. Not Pictured: Jon Jeresek, and Chip Clark.</p>
On a cool, foggy morning in late September the mist rose off of Alvord Lake. The tranquil reflection of early fall colors in the waters edge was briefly interrupted as a Great Blue Heron lifted its legs and flew off. As it extracted itself from the scene, it gave a condemnatory shriek to the few humans on the shore that had disturbed his peace.
On the banks, nine stalwart volunteers began setting up their stations. The group was a team put together to help deliver a four module outdoor educational program to the Libby High School biology classes of Rene Rose and Neil Fuller. The emphasis was on science-based topics of interest for the students, without any political agenda.
Station One was focused on avalanche awareness and managed by Jon Jeresek. Jon is a retired forest service employee who worked on the Kootenai with wilderness rangers, trail crews, and avalanche forecasters. He also enjoys hunting grouse and waterfowl with his lab “Chugger.” Assisting Jon and floating amongst the stations was Bobbie McCanse. Bobbie has a Ph.D. in nursing with emphasis on community health. Bobbie is also interested in providing renewable space and sustainability for generations to come.
Station Two was identification of hides and skulls and led by Edwina Smith. Edwina has a Ph.D. in history, an avid interest in wild animals, and scat identification. Helping Edwina out was Doug Richey. Doug is a Viet Nam Veteran, avid birder, elk hunter, and proud patriot and grandfather.
Station Three was based on forest management with emphasis on wildlife habitat. Chris Reichart ram rodded this module. Chris is a retired local forester with extensive forestry management skills. In addition, Chip Clark assisted. Chip is a retired Forest Ecology professor and longtime resident of Troy. Helping out here as well was Scott Wysowski. Scott is a Middle East Theater veteran and avid outdoorsman. Scott is an excellent go to guy for structural assistance and gets it done quickly and efficiently.
Station Four tuned in on mammal tracking, scat identification and birding. Overseeing this station was Brian Baxter, who is a professional outdoor educator and coordinator. Judy Richey operated the birding aspect of this station. Judy has a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife, and is a retired park superintendent. Judy is also an elk hunter, wildlife photographer, and proud grandma.
A program like this does not come off well without the help of the teachers. Rene and Neil prepped the young people well, and selected student leaders who were helpful also. The forest service personnel were great to work with and special thanks to Ian Leigh, Dave Thorstenson, Ben Bernall, Carrie Croucher, Mary Laws, and Kirsten Kaiser. Kudos to all the folks who helped put the Alvord Lake Community Forest efforts together. A very special thanks also to Amy Robinson, field director for Montana Wilderness Association. Amy is always there for support, encouragement, and is open to new ideas for outdoor educational programs.
At the end of the second day, the kids seemed happy and the adults grew fatigued.
On the final hour, at the last station a kingfisher appeared over the lake and an otter appeared on the banks. It was a beautiful punctuation mark to the end of the program. The team of humans left, and the lake was once again at peace.