Endangered Species Day: The Alabama Field Office Celebrates

 

 

Biologists know that young people will one day carry the torch for environmental conservation. That's why biologists with the Alabama Field Office spent the week reaching out to kids in the community.

Biologist Eric Spadgenske helps students identify species caught in a net. (above)

Biologists Andy Ford and Josh Rowell prepare to cast a seine net. (above)

Biologists Andy Ford, Josh Rowell, Pete Tuttle, Jeff Powell, and Eric Spadgenske spent a day at Fairhope Intermediate School in Fairhope, Alabama. They assisted with a bioblitz: a thorough examination of species in a particular area. Students and teachers wanted to see what wildlife was living in their own backyard. So, biologists set mammal, rodent and minnow traps in the wetlands behind the school. They also brought a seine net to see what goodies they could pull out of the school's pond. The results were amazing. From caterpillers to bullfrog tadpoles, each student got a first-hand look at nature. Fairhope teachers were grateful for the participation of the Alabama Field Office, making the day special not just for the kids, but for the biologists as well.

Biologists Jodie Smithem and Dianne Ingram explain the habitat of a gopher tortoise. (above)

A student studies samples of soil and grass to determine what's best for the gopher tortoise. (above)

On the other side of the county at Elsanor School in Robertsdale, biologists Dianne Ingram and Jodie Smithem were working on a project of their own for the"Nurturing Nature" science expo.. The assignment was to engage several groups of young children in fifteen minute sessions. It was a tough task for a short amount of time. But thanks to some good planning, the two biologists came up with the perfect activity for the students. The kids had to figure out which habitat best fit the gopher tortoise. To do this, the students had to examine several samples of soil, grass, pine needles, and pine cones. Through a process of elimination, and a short lesson on habitat, the children had to pick the best option for the gopher tortoise. Altogether, more than sixty students participated in this activity, making the science expo a huge success.

Biologist Andy Ford shows students a gopher tortoise. (above)

On top of that, public affairs specialist Denise Rowell and biologist Andy Ford have already started recruiting future biologists. They participated in career day at Swift School in Bon Secour, where they spoke with dozens of kids about endangered species and the importance of conservation. The students ranged from first grade to fifth grade....a little young to be choosing a career. But Rowell and Ford talked to them about the importance of protecting the plants and animals around them. They even showed the students a live gopher tortoise, which became the hit of the career fair.

Finally, biologist Dan Everson participated in a live webcast of EstuaryLive! For more on that story, look under "Hot Topics."