In spring 2009 two schoolyard habitat projects will be undertaken with the direction of Jordan River NFH Fish Biologist Tim Smigielski

Jordan River National Fish Hatchery (NFH) is involved in a partnership with local elementary schools and other supporters who are developing programs and projects designed to connect children with nature.  Fish Biologist Tim Smigielski from Jordan River NFH has been pursuing interest in and promoting the use of Outdoor Classrooms and Schoolyard Habitat projects for the past year.  Outdoor Classrooms and Schoolyard Habitats are proven techniques for connecting students with nature on a regular basis during the school day.  These projects provide a safe, location for repetitive experiences both structured and unstructured. Jordan River NFH intends to create these useful sites on hatchery grounds as well as at public schools in northern Michigan.

In a recent meeting with Mancelona Public Schools and Concord Community School, Tim presented the Midwest Region Connecting People with Nature Plan.  He also provided a power point presentation on the Service’s Schoolyard Habitat Program and a “How To” presentation on schoolyard habitats and outdoor classrooms.  Both schools are initiating plans to institute schoolyard habitat projects and inject their use into the school curriculums and the community. Concord Community schools Erik Schupbach will also be using the hatchery grounds weekly for his environmental education classes.  Both of these schools are participating in the hatchery’s’ Imaginature program.

The partnership is looking forward to an outdoor classroom and weekly school day activities at the hatchery.  If you have questions or need further information on these and other public outreach and public use opportunities at Jordan River NFH please contact Tim at 231-584-2461 or at tim_smigielski@fws.gov