One lucky class from Kent Elementary got up close and personal with our local watershed.
Under a blue sky, Mr. Mill’s grade 4/5 class listened and did hands-on learning about the watershed, from under the ground to the river ways to the vital roles the local system plays in our community. They clustered around a sand table on the lawn of the Fraser River Fishing Lodge to learn about streams and flow. They watched as an instructor explained the water table and the harmful and helpful things humans do that impacts it. They took a walk along the banks of the Fraser River in an area instructors referred to as the the heart of the Fraser, bringing students into the teaching process.
“They learn about the watershed, the water cycle, how to look at different components of a watershed, water volume, sediment, and specifically talking about the Fraser and Harrison rivers,” explains La Vern Klassen, program assistant at the Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning.
The program was put on by the Hope Mountain Centre, a nonprofit organization with a goal to get people outside.
“We figure if people are outside, they’re healthier and happier,” says Klassen. “Part of that is educating people about their surroundings.”
Teacher Greg Mills says he found it to be a great program for his students.
"This is an excellent hands on program that discusses the importance of watersheds, pollution of groundwater, controlling of flooding and how important the gravel in the Fraser River is for marine systems," says Mills. "We live in a stunning area and the there is no better way to learn than in the real environment."
The program was made possible through funding from Nestle Waters, which allows the Hope Mountain Centre to put on the programming to schools for no charge.