Classroom in a Canoe at the McGregor District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
 |
| The Mississippi River at Merrick State Park. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
What student, or adult for that matter, does not spend
at least a few minutes each day staring out the window wishing they
could be outdoors enjoying the beautiful spring weather instead of being
stuck inside? That wish actually came true for 43 high school students
in Cassville, Wis. on May 10, 2012.
Students spent the day paddling from learning station
to learning station on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, McGregor District, listening to fellow students and refuge
staff talk about wildlife, habitat and our natural resources.
Much preparation and forethought went into this day of
paddling. A week before the event, refuge staff went to the high
school, spread 22 canoes out on the football field and led students
through the fundamentals of canoeing. They practiced the correct way to
get in and out of the canoe safely, how to steady the canoe for their
partner and how to execute different paddle strokes.
Many different aspects of safety were discussed,
including what to do if they tipped over. Two days before the event, the
decision was made to change the planned route due to high water. That
threw the refuge staff into a flurry of activity shuffling vehicles,
staging canoes, getting supplies together and double-checking details to
make sure everything would be ready for the next day.
The energy in the air was electric Thursday morning.
Some students were giddy with excitement; others looked like they wanted
to bolt. Each paddler stuffed a second set of clothing in the dry bags
provided by the refuge. Those that packed lightly must have been
confident they would stay dry or did not care about a water accident,
but the vast majority brought so much they looked like they were
preparing to never see civilization again.
The group started off apprehensive, but by the end of
the day they pulled into shore exhilarated. Only one canoe tipped over
during the day, most likely for the excitement. The refuge motorboats
stationed discretely in front and back of the group quickly came to the
rescue and the boys finished the trip. This paddling event is just one
of many events that are being held up and down the length of the
Mississippi River this summer.
The Summer of Paddling 2012 is part of the
Presidential Initiative - America’s Great Outdoors - which encourages
people to be active and get outside on their public lands. It gives the
public a chance to experience the Mississippi River through recreational
and stewardship programs. It apparently worked for the Cassville High
School students, because when asked if they would try paddling again,
the answer was a resounding “Yes!" Judging by the number of students
that thanked the refuge staff for hosting the event, the Summer of
Paddling goals were achieved.
Additional events are planned for the Reno Bottoms
Canoe Trail June 16, at Dubuque June 23 and tentatively for July 28 at
the Wyalusing State Park Canoe Trail. If you would like more information
about past or upcoming events, visit http://www.sop2012.org or contact Ann Blankenship at 563-873-3423.
More than one student told refuge staff it was the best school day they had ever had. - Photo Credit: USFWS
Comments
Post a Comment