Local students get taste of nature

By BENJAMIN KIBBEY

The Western News

Over 140 local students learned about their natural world during the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Winter Tracks Outdoor Field Trips in January and February.

The four day-long educational trips took place January 25-26 and February 1-2.

FSPW Lincoln County Coordinator Annie Gassmann said that trips provide children hands-on learning in the outdoors that many have not had.

“There are definitely some students that have never been exposed to the subjects we talk about,” she said by email. “Some students don’t even know how to dress appropriately. It was heart wrenching to see some of the students eyes light up during the different activities and start to ask questions and get excited.”

Still others amazed Gassman with their knowledge of the outdoors, she said.

Though the trips are unique based on venue, weather and the ages of the students, anywhere from 12-17 adults help with each trip, including teachers and parent volunteers, but most of them FSPW volunteers, she said. This year 10 teachers, 19 parent helpers and 11 FSPW volunteers helped over the four days.

During the trips, students break into groups and alternate visiting four stations, she said.

Retired school teacher Gene Reckin taught students about how mammals and birds adapt and survive in the winter.

Jon Jeresek and Ben Bernall — both volunteers with David Thompson Search and Rescue — taught the basics of how avalanches happen, what to look for and what to do. They also played a game that taught the children how to use a transceiver to find someone trapped by an avalanche.

Katie Andreessen taught the children about leaving no trace when they are in the wilderness, and walked them through ways their actions impact the their environment and others.

Children also learned some basic tracking skills from Brian Baxter, including a short hike to look for tracks and signs left by wildlife.

Libby Elementary, W.F. Morrison Elementary, Central Alternative School and Kootenai Valley Christian School all sent students to the trips this year, Gassman said.

Grassman also expressed appreciation for businesses, agencies and organizations that helped to make the trips a success in Lincoln County.