Students listened to opening comments by the school superintendent, county commissioners, and a tribal representative from the Wanapum people, addressing the importance of the area and the need for science and history in our schools. Students then divided into classes and rotated through six stations, learning the cultural history of the Wanapum, geology and paleontology of the White Bluffs, water quality testing of the Columbia River, salmon lifecycles and macroinvertebrate identification. Information and Education Specialist Ron Crouse assisted the school district with logistics and presented the salmon and macroinvertebrate classes. The school has a high percentage of ethnic students with limited English, but Crouse learned that enthusiasm for studying water bugs transcends all age and language barriers.

Comments and feedback indicated the day's programs were excellent with great organization and the best curricula in the four years running. The Saddle Mountain Unit also received high praise for its spectacular White Bluffs and deep blue Columbia River. The Monument is proud to help sponsor this event which touches the education of so many young students.

View this report with photographs at: http://hanfordreach.fws.gov/documents/press/Mattawa%20school.pdf