Ohio boys discuss wood duck habitat with biologist Kristin Westad. - FWS photo

Private Lands Biologist Kristin Westad played games with southern Ohio youngsters to help them imagine the lives of ducks migrating between wetlands as well as the global water cycle. 

The Meigs County Soil & Water Conservation District hosted the 2007 Leading Creek Watershed Summer Camp for two days in June.  Westad was one of several biologists to share time outside with the kids.

After the games, the youngsters were able to name some of the factors that effect populations of canvasbacks and wood ducks.  They were also able to explain how water molecules move between different phases such as clouds, streams, animals and groundwater.

Leading Creek suffered a catastrophic flooding event at a Southern Ohio Coal Company mine in 1993.  Untreated and partially treated mine water dumped into Leading Creek for 28 days.  The environmental impact was substantial. 

A negotiated settlement led to development of the Leading Creek Improvement Plan.  The Leading Creek Watershed Summer Camp helps develop local interest in enhancing the natural qualities of Leading Creek and fosters a sense of land stewardship among the children.  Held in 2004, 2006 and 2007, the camp has attracted more kids each year.