A. Students compare notes on a wildlife species scavenger hunt. (photo 5/08 Darla Wenger)

Students discovered migrating and resident birds in the wetland area.

B. Great discovery! A shy garter snake was gently captured and released. (photo 5/08 Darla Wenger)

Outdoor classrooms are important for creating a lasting connection with nature for students studying ecology, nature conservation and scientific theory. Being in nature and experiencing its processes first-hand is how fifth grade teacher Susan Houlihan believes her students learn best. On May 15, Houlihan and 22 Southern Bluffs Elementary fifth graders visited the Outdoor Classroom in Genoa National Fish Hatchery’s Sense of Wonder Discovery Wetland to learn about wetlands, get in touch with nature, and make a lasting impression on students. The Outdoor Classroom at Genoa developed from a partnership between the Southern Bluffs Elementary and Genoa NFH to get kids out in nature and make experiencing nature part of daily life for students. Connecting with nature has been proven to increase performance in school, provide emotional stability, and increase overall health for children. Helping make these connections has become a top priority of the Service. Students enjoying the Outdoor Classroom benefit from nature experiences while fulfilling fifth grade curriculum science and health standards.

Darla Wenger and Jenny Walker from Genoa NFH met with Houlihan to plan the Outdoor Classroom activities and ensure they would support the fifth grade curriculum for La Crosse School District. On the day of the event, Genoa staff were enjoyed the Sense of Wonder Discovery Wetland with students, while teaching conservation ethics, stewardship, and different ways to make nature discoveries. Students kept a species list of wildlife discoveries, went on a scavenger hunt for native and exotic species, saw how humans can affect wetland processes, and discovered how humans can enjoy and appreciate nature. The field day was a hit with both students and teachers, and  Houlihan plans to bring her class back next year for four visits throughout the year.

This collaborating effort with Houlihan and the fifth graders at the Southern Bluffs Elementary School was established as a pilot project in January 2008 to allow fifth graders to experience the natural cycle of a marsh and to get children outside. When students come back in the fall, there will be additional changes to the wetland that will enhance the capabilities of the outdoor classroom area due to a visitor services enhancement allocation. With this dedicated money, staff at the Genoa NFH will construct a handicap accessible boardwalk with observations decks leading into the discovery area. Each deck will feature seating, and plenty of space for explorers to watch for wildlife. The main observation deck will double as the main stage for the outdoor classroom. In addition, a handicapped accessible fishing dock will be a permanent addition to one of Genoa’s earthen ponds.