On March 11th middle school students from Skyuka Hall immersed themselves in nature by visiting Enterprise South Nature Park. WaterWays team members led them through hands on activities that focused on animal adaptations (structural and behavioral) as well as biodiversity. Students sharpened their observation skills by safely and respectfully sampling and identifying macroinvertebrates both on land and in the wetland that is managed by Volkswagen Chattanooga. Students learned the importance riparian zones, wetlands, and waterways in biodiversity and discussed stewardship action items like conserving water and planting native species of plants.
The next day, elementary students from Skyuka Hall joined WaterWays educators at Enterprise South Nature Park as well to enjoy the outdoors and learn about water quality. Students began their trip by imitating different animal gaits while walking to the outdoor classroom. The students then learned about the urban water cycle and how every citizen can help prevent non-point source pollution through stewardship actions like planting native plants, protecting forests, properly disposing of waste, and conserving water. Students decided to get to know their aquatic macroinvertebrate neighbors that require clean water. They put on muck boots and sampled the biodiversity present in Volkswagen Chattanooga’s wetland. Students caught tadpoles, beetles, crayfish, dragonfly nymphs and more. They also discussed the important role plants play in water quality whether they are terrestrial or aquatic species.
