Lincoln Co. students explore watershed health

Students from the McCormick and Yaak schools took their learning into the field this spring with engaging, hands-on trips focused on local watershed health. 

May 7, McCormick School students, and on May 13, Yaak School students, joined staff from the Yaak Valley Forest Council (YVFC) to explore two important watershed sites: the Upper Ford Ranger Station River Site and the Vital Ground Foundation’s Broadie Habitat Preserve.

Led by Anthony South, YVFC's Headwaters Director; Morgan Schmidt, YVFC's Big Sky Watershed Corps Member; and Ashley South, YVFC's Communications Director, students learned about a variety of environmental topics including healthy riparian zones, aquatic species, water pollution, restoration techniques and the differences between native and non-native species.

At the Upper Ford site, students observed a severely eroding riverbank and discussed the causes and impacts of erosion. At Broadie Habitat Preserve, they saw an active restoration site and discussed the importance of conservation work in maintaining the health of local waterways.

In total, 24 students participated in the field trips, which highlighted the impact of non-point source pollution and emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy watersheds in rural communities.

"The students enjoy learning about where they live and play," said Sabre Alderete, Yaak School teacher. "We were happy to be outside learning about our local watersheds."

The Yaak Valley Forest Council is proud to support environmental education and stewardship through hands-on experiences that connect students directly with the natural world around them.

    Yaak Valley Forest Council's Anthony South, far right, helped lead hands-on trips focused on local watershed health. May 13, Yaak School students explored two important watershed sites: the Upper Ford Ranger Station River Site and the Vital Ground Foundation’s Broadie Habitat Preserve. (Courtesy photo)