madness in the marsh

110 fifth grade Community Outreach Academy students spent the day immersed in Roseville’s wetlands and wildlife learning about their natural environment.  Many of the students said that they drive past Maya Archer on a monthly basis to visit the Galleria Mall, but have never realized it was such a beautiful area that served such an important role.  Each student was provided with a field journal to take notes and draw pictures of their experiences so they could share them with their families and friends.

As the day progressed, students participated in a Nest Mania activity that stressed the importance of wild areas for birds to reproduce, raise their young, and rest during migration, and an archery activity that enabled students to use a bow and arrow for the first time and stressed the importance of archery and hunting in cultural heritage as well as hunters as conservationists.  They also enjoyed a wildlife tour of the area, while learning the proper use of binoculars, bird identification, and studying mounts and animal skins of native animals.

The students later enjoyed a wetland snack that came from the wonderful habitat that wetlands provide.  Each student had the chance to taste blackberries, mint, cranberries, rice chips, and duck jerky. 

The trips wrapped up with a take home message expressed in an activity called Migration Madness.  In this activity, students learned about migration and the important role California's wetlands play in providing key habitat (food, water, shelter, and space) for waterfowl and all migrating birds.  As they flapped their “wings” and quacked, honked, or whistled the students "migrated" back and forth between nesting and wintering habitat in the Pacific Flyway and faced several challenges migrating birds often encounter.  They also had the opportunity to discover how citizens of California can help preserve and restore wetland areas to ensure waterfowl populations survive their yearly trip.  The activity ended with an action step for each of the students to get involved in California's wetland conservation by submitting a drawing to the Junior Duck Stamp program.  Each entry received will earn California $1 to go towards conservation education and restoration.

Throughout the day many students took pictures, completely filled their field journals, and expressed what a great time they had: 

"I didn't know coyote lived in this area!"
"Mint grows in wetlands?  I love this stuff!" 
"It's sad to know people destroy wetlands and that hurts waterfowl and other animals, but I'm glad I can draw a picture to help."
"This is the best field trip ever!"