Learning at the Lake

The clouds lifted and the sun was shining for the Saratoga Lake Day held last Thursday. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders from Saratoga, Encampment, Hanna and Medicine Bow were at Saratoga Lake to get outside and learn from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Saratoga Encampment Rawlins Conservation District (SERCD), Saratoga Museum, Carbon County Weed and Pest, Wyoming Game and Fish, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Saratoga Bird Club.

Ten stations were set up to teach students varying lessons regarding natural resources. There were seven students to each group and they spent 15 minutes at each station.

According to Bill Baer, Biologist for the Forest Service and coordinator of the event, he thought the event went very well.

"I think it was perfect, I mean we had sunny weather for it with all the rain and stuff-so we lucked out with the weather. And as far as the station and the topics covered, it was very diverse and I checked with the teachers and they really liked what was going on."

Some of the subjects covered were about water safety, fire safety, water quality, forestry, invasive plants and invasive species, and cultural resources.

Baer thinks the vast amount of topics covered was valuable to the students. "The mission was to just have them outside to talk about natural resources, history and cultural aspects," said Baer.

Baer was very thankful for the successful day and all who took part in the event."The kids are really great and I really appreciate the schools and other agencies taking part in it," said Baer.