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Boys and Girls Club Visit Swaner Nature Preserve
March 2005
One of the many fun and educational activities offered by Swaner Nature Preserve is the opportunity for educational organizations to visit the wetland, come rain or snow, and get a firsthand look at the Preserve and what it is has to offer. On January 28, 2005, the Boys and Girls Club participated in one such opportunity when they went on an afternoon snowshoe trek. Coming straight from a school circus and brandishing painted faces, the group, supervised by Youth Development Specialist Debi Stoddard, ranged in age from kindergarten to fifth grade. They excitedly strapped on colorful snowshoes and, with the energy only children of this age can generate, ventured out into the snow.
Once on the Preserve, the Club looked for animal burrows and tracks; later, a friendly fox wandered in the distance, giving the children a fun sighting story to take home to their parents. The group of children wondered why the animals that live on the Preserve need protecting. The Preserve guide, Scott Schatzer, told the children, "Before we were here, the animals were here. They're probably asking why we're here."
During the trek, the Club paused briefly now and again to discuss educational topics, including the many animals that the Preserve protects and the benefits of snowshoes. The children boasted their knowledge about the original Native American wooden snowshoe. Later, when Stoddard asked the group why snowshoes are better than regular shoes, the junior trekkers shouted, "Because they're bigger!!" They were also excited to learn that the broad paws of fox and coyote act as a kind of animal snowshoe.
At the end of the trek, the Club expressed the fun they had spotting wildlife, learning about the animals, and resting after their trudge through the snow. In response to the question "What was your favorite part of the snowshoe trip," Jackson Kelly, a seven-year old student at McPolin Elementary, breathed heavily as he answered, "I liked resting and digging for frogs." Other answers included the stink of fox holes, bird sightings, identifying tracks, snowshoeing, and visiting the Preserve. In the end, the Club agreed that the animals were here before people and that there should be a home for them on the Preserve.
Swaner Nature Preserve is determined to share similar experiences with as many students throughout Utah, and everywhere else, as possible. The Preserve has recently seen a dramatic increase in the number of field trips scheduled, hosting local schools and clubs alike. The increase is attributed to the educational focus of the Preserve's mission and the rapid growth it is experiencing. The Preserve will continue to educate youth about the benefits of land preservation and the ways they can help to protect and sustain local wildlife. If you have a group or club that would be interested in scheduling a similar field trip, please give us a call.
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