Science Exploration Day at Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation area is May 18
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By LeAnn R. Ralph
Editor’s Note: LeAnn R. Ralph serves as a member of the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area Management Committee.
COLFAX — A Science Exploration Day for explorers of all ages will be held at the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area on Saturday, May 18.
Three lessons — Rocks and Minerals, Amphibians and Reptiles, and Grassland Bugs and Critters — will run concurrently at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Preserve, located just north of Colfax on state Highway 170, across the road from Felland Park.
The event is free and is open to the public.
The sessions will be hands-on and will last approximately 50 minutes.
“Concurrently” means that all three sessions will run at the same time, and when you finish one session, the groups will rotate, and you can join the next session. When the sessions are finished, you will have had the opportunity to participate in all three sessions.
While the lessons will be focused on students in grade 2 to grade 6, learners of all ages are welcome. Parents are asked to accompany young children.
In Rocks and Minerals, you will learn about the common rocks and minerals of Wisconsin. And you will learn how agates form and how they got to the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve.
The Rocks and Minerals session will be taught by retired science instructor Paul Verdon, who taught science at Menomonie Middle School.
In Amphibians and Reptiles, you will have an opportunity to explore the wetland habitats at the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area, and you will discover which species of amphibians and reptiles call this area home.
In addition, you will learn about the role wetlands play in the breeding cycle and life cycle of frogs as well as learning how they manage to survive the winter — and you will have the opportunity to learn to identify some of the common frogs by their calls.
Amphibians and Reptiles will be taught by Mark Mosey, who retired from Colfax High School after teaching biology for many years.
In Grassland Bugs and Critters, you will learn about the ecology of a grassland and the kinds of creatures who live here, and you will learn about the kinds of adaptations they have developed that allow them to survive and thrive.
Grassland Bugs and Critters will be taught by UW-Stout biology professor Keith Gilland.
At 12 noon, a lunch will be served that has been sponsored by local businesses and will include grilled hot dogs, chips, fruit and drinks.
To reserve your spot at Science Exploration Day, you can find the registration form at www.colfaxredcedarpreserve.com — or you can call Kathy Stahl at 715-962-4010.
