By LeAnn R. Ralph
COLFAX — A free “Science Exploration Day” is scheduled Saturday, May 14, at the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area that will be geared toward students in second grade through eighth grade.
Three instructors will be conducting three different sessions that will run concurrently at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. so that all participants can learn about the three subject areas of “Birds and Blooms,” “Critter Search: What’s in Ferry Pond?” and “Rocks, Minerals and the Geology of the CRCPRA.”
The instructor for Birds and Blooms will be Dr. Julia Chapman, an instructor of Environmental Science at UW-Stout who has an educational background in botany and forest ecology.
The instructor for “Critter Search: What’s in Ferry Pond?” will be Mark Mosey, retired Biology teacher from Colfax High School who spent 31 years teaching in Colfax.
The instructor for “Rocks, Minerals and the Geology of the CRCPRA” will be Paul Verdon, an Earth Science teacher in the School District of Menomonie who is also a resident of the Town of Colfax.
The lessons will be hands-on in nature and will last about 50 minutes.
“Lessons will be geared toward students in grades 2 to 8, but learners of all ages are welcome to attend. Parents are asked to accompany young children,” said Kathy Stahl, chair of the CRCPRA Planning Committee.
Birds and Blooms
Springtime in Wisconsin is when birds return from their winter quarters and the wildflowers start to bloom.
“Come and explore the sights and sounds of spring,” said Dr. Chapman.
“We will be taking an interpretive nature hike that will introduce you to common spring-blooming plants and birds in our area,” she said.
“If you have a pair of binoculars or a magnifying lens, feel free to bring those along, too,” Dr. Chapman said.
Critter Search
What kinds of critters make their home in Ferry Pond?
The Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area Planning Committee asked the state Department of Natural Resources to do a fish survey of Ferry Pond, so we know there are fish living there, but plenty of other creatures live in and around the pond, too.
“You will learn how to collect, identify and discover the role these critters play in the food chain of Ferry Pond,” Mosey said.
“Be prepared to get up close and personal with some of the aquatic animals that are easily collected along the edges of the pond. And expect to have fun while learning about the wonderful world of pond life,” he said.
In addition to an educational background in Wildlife Biology and Science Education, Mosey is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves to hunt waterfowl and fish for walleyes.
Rocks and Minerals
What about the rocks and minerals we have in this part of Wisconsin?
“We will be identifying basic minerals, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and how the ice age affected the geology of the Red Cedar River Valley,” Verdon said.
Participants will be able to keep the rocks and minerals they collect, he said.
Verdon’s educational background is in Earth Science and Science Education. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast and loves to hunt, fish, hike and ski.
Free event
“Science Exploration Day” at the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area is a free event sponsored by the CRCPRA Planning Committee.
A free lunch will be provided at noon by Kyle’s Market in Colfax and through donations from various individuals.
Lunch will consist of hot dogs, buns, chips, fruit and drinks.
Where?
The Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area is located on state Highway 170 just west of Colfax near the intersection with River Road, county Highway W and across the road from Felland Park.
The approximately 150-acre parcel was recently purchased from Dunn County with money from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, a donation by Dunn County and donations from private individuals.
The property is owned by the Town of Colfax and is managed by the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area Planning Committee.
Signing up
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and for participating in outdoor activities.
If you wish, bring binoculars, water-proof boots, a sketch pad and pencil and a collection bag.
To register your child for “Science Exploration Day” on Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — or if you have any questions — send an e-mail message to Paul Verdon or Mark Mosey at HYPERLINK “mailto:michael_verdon@msd”[email protected] or Mark Mosey at HYPERLINK “mailto:[email protected]”[email protected].
Include your child’s name and grade in school.
Registration will allow the CRCPRA committee to plan accordingly for lunch and for the preparation of materials and handouts.
