WATER: Annual event helps raise awareness

Each year local students are invited to Water Awareness Week sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. This event is a phenomenal field trip provided to raise awareness of our connections to the environment and history of our area. The Natural Resources Education and Outreach Specialist Staff bring together experts from Tribal Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Lake Management and Culture/Language, with tribal community members to provide hands-on, practical learning at the edge of Lake Creek.

Activities include observing fish being tagged and released to monitor fish migration into and out of our lake; discovering the balance of a healthy creek system based upon the species found in water samples; listening and learning about the ancient Salish language which is disappearing in today’s modern society; and, a firsthand look into native traditions founded upon respect for nature embedded within the culture. In addition to other valuable activities, all participants receive a t-shirt to commemorate the event. And, although this experience could not be replicated in a classroom for any sum, everything is provided without charge.

This generous contribution to our children’s education is a great example of community involvement with local educators to open opportunities for learning beyond our classrooms. A special thank you goes out to Bobbie White and Gina Baughn from the Natural Resources Education and Outreach Staff for making each successive year’s event even better than the year before. And, thanks to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for realizing the importance of this information for our students.

NANCY LARSEN

Coeur d’Alene