Connecting students to natural resources

Millbrook Marsh: Connecting Students to Natural Resources

As a fly-fishing instructor, it’s my job to teach basic fly fishing, fly tying, entomology, and fish behavior to our KINES 04 students. More importantly, it’s my duty to get my students excited about spending time in the natural environment. Why? Because I believe it’s the users of these wonderful places who become the stakeholder and by extension- the protectors of these wild areas. I believe the first step in creating a feeling of ownership (i.e. the feeling it’s an extension of their backyard) and wanting to protect it is to experience these locations in person. While it doesn’t seem feasible for our students to experience first-hand the grandeur of the Andes Mountain Range or watch the salmon run near Pebble Mine-it is very much within reason for them to experience the convergence of beautiful natural spring creeks harboring both aquatic and terrestrial life within walking distance of campus.

This is why the Millbrook Marsh has become a pilgrimage for my KINES 04 class each semester. Our field trips are broken into two parts. First part is an interpretive talk by an educational specialist, where students learn about the importance of a marsh/wetland within a watershed (spoiler alert-it acts a filtration system), the aquatic insects and fish found within the watershed, importance of native vegetation for recruiting birds and insects, and establishing a riparian buffer to reduce siltation. Part two involves students conducting littler cleanup, composting, removing invasive species, or helping with stream habitat improvement. Students enjoy the experience and learn about a natural resource they didn’t even know excited within a short bike ride.

A field trip is not possible all classes but if you’re ever interested in creating a memorable outdoor experience for your students, the Millbrook Marsh is one great option. More importantly-it connects students directly to the outdoor world. The staff can create an educational program for your class and they are always in need of volunteers.