7th Annual Conservation Days + 325 4th Graders = Success!

CONSERVATION DAYS BRINGS 4TH GRADERS TO THE “OUTDOOR CLASSROOM” OF THE PAONIA RIVER PARK

A total of 325 fourth grade students in Delta County visited the Paonia River Park for the 7th Annual Conservation Days! Conservation Days brings students out of their classrooms and into nature for a multidisciplinary hands-on environmental education experience.

Students from Cedaredge Elementary, North Fork Montessori @ Crawford, Garnet Mesa Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Hotchkiss K-8, and Paonia Elementary, and North Fork School of Integrated Studies gathered at the Paonia River Park to explore the river while learning about conservation.

Ten structured learning stations set up around the park engaged students in fun, creative, activities such as games, demonstrations, and artwork. Stations were run by local environmental educators, artists, and regional conservation experts.

The Delta Conservation District taught students about how our river works using interactive water table display; Solar Energy International demonstrated solar cookers and solar bike-powered generators; the Western Slope Conservation Center demonstrated water pollution using an interactive display, The Hotchkiss Fish Hatchery led an engaging game about aquatic insects; the Black Canyon Audubon Society & Bird Conservancy of the Rockies led a game of “Sage Grouse Hide and Seek” learning about the importance of wildlife habitat; Colorado Parks and Wildlife examined the types of critters inhabiting the region; Local Artists helped students paint a conservation-themed mural; The North Fork Historical Society led tours of the Paonia and Bowie museums, including the old schoolhouse; West Elk Mountain Rescue taught kids about the importance mechanical advantage in backcountry rescue; and the US Geological Survey taught students about how we measure streamflow in our rivers. Students documented what they learned at each station using activity notebooks created specially for the event by the Conservation Center.

Thanks to generous contributions from sponsoring businesses and foundations, we are able to provide this event at NO COST to our schools! This event would not be possible without the commitment of our sponsors and incredible volunteers!