Chequamegon-Nicolet Partners with Others at Youth Outdoor Expo

Fifth grade students connect with the outdoors

By Shane Schuelke

In today's world of video games and the Internet, many children appear to be losing touch with the outdoor traditions that have entertained residents of northern Wisconsin for generations. In order to revive some interest and curiosity of outdoor recreation, over 200 fifth grade students attended the Taylor County Youth Outdoor Expo on May 23, 2008. This event provided students an opportunity to explore the many forms of recreation that are available away from their television or computer.

Organized by the Taylor County Sportsman's Club (TCSC), this event brought together more than a dozen private organizations, outdoor clubs, and government entities such as the Ruffed Grouse Society and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Children were able to compete in a casting competition, shoot a bow and arrow, and see a live red-tailed hawk!

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest provided their interactive Stream Simulator along with several Forest professionals to provide stream flow education for the event. The hands-on practicum allowed students to visualize how human activities can alter natural stream flow. The students could introduce fish habitat or build culverts and watch how their actions could positively or negatively change the stream.

These students, most of whom enjoyed fishing, were better able to understand how seemingly minor changes can greatly alter their favorite fishing locations.

This event is planned to return in 2009. The TCSC hopes that through continued contributions of organizations such as the Chequamegon Bird Club, Wisconsin Trappers Association, and the Chequamegon-Nicolet, students across Taylor County will be able to get their "hands wet" with recreation opportunities once they turn off their television and computer and step outside.