Middle school students get outdoor lessons

Seventh grade students braved winter weather and took part in an outdoor field trip last Friday sponsored by Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW).

Close to 60 bundled-up students from Noxon, Thompson Falls and Trout Creek arrived at North Shore Campground, in Trout Creek, ready to learn about tracking animals, bird watching, snagging and photographing mammals, and silviculture (trees); all while gaining an appreciation for the great outdoors.

After being welcomed and discussing safety, first aid, and where warming fires were located, four groups were formed. Students from different schools were matched-up to encourage new friendships. At the sound of "go," they were off. Four, 45-minute learning stations emphasized birds, mammals, trees and winter tracks.

Regan Plumb, Kaniksu Land Trust, entertained students by presenting information on birds found in the region. Plumb had many specimens present for viewing. She also brought two live chickens to demonstrate various characteristics and how they affect bird behaviors. Students enjoyed a friendly competition while measuring their "wing span" in comparison to one another, as well as some bird species. Many were surprised to learn just how long some bird's wings are. To top off her station, Plumb outfitted each pupil with binoculars to take part in bird watching.

Going through deep snow to check game cameras can be quite a task, as students found out. Joel Sather and Ray Vinkey, both of the Forest Service, equipped students with snowshoes so they could venture through deep snow to check game cameras and snags for mammal presence. When they arrived at their destination, they were briefed on usage of the camera and snags, and had the opportunity to view actual photos taken by the game camera; which consisted of neighborhood dogs and fellow classmates. Sather brought a bait sample for students to smell the horrendous, rotting scent used to draw in mammals.

"The mammal station was my favorite, not so much the snowshoeing part, but the camera part was cool," said J.J. Fields, a student at Thompson Falls.

Students had an opportunity to warm themselves at the tree station, where Mark Wiedeman and Charlie Watts had a fire burning and tree samples to view. The Forest Service employees discussed the different tree species in the area, and what identifying characteristics they possess. Students also learned how to take core samples of trees.

The presence of snow makes tracking animals easier than without it. Lucky for Sandy Compton and Charlotte Milling, there was plenty of snow to demonstrate tracking. A brief discussion about what to look for when looking at tracks, such as measurements of stride and patterns, took place before students walked the area searching for evidence of animals. Students found tracks from grouse and whitetail deer in the area.

"This is the fourth year we have sponsored the Winter Tracks program for students," said Phil Hough, Executive Director FSPW. The first two years the program took place in Idaho, and last year the field trip was brought to Sanders County. FSPW has a vision of promoting education of nature to students living in areas surrounding the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness area.

More 450 students will be involved in the Winter Tracks experience this year, according to Hough. FSPW will reach out to students from Spokane, Wash., Sandpoint, Idaho, and neighboring Lincoln County.

Mindy Ferrell, FSPW member, coordinated this year's Winter Tracks event with help from many volunteers and contributors.

"I treasure the opportunity to get kids outside learning about this beautiful valley we live in," Ferrell said.