BARABOO - It was at the annual conference of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress that I first crossed paths with the kids from River Crossing Charter School in Portage.
Their mentor, Executive Director Jeff Nania of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, had ushered them up to see first hand how the Congress goes about its business of protecting our state's rich natural resources.
Nania had passed the word that his charges would be doing some volunteer restoration work at the recently dedicated Aldo Leopold Legacy Center near Baraboo. Since I had already planned to travel up that way to a WCC meeting, it seemed like a good idea to reconnect with the group and visit the Legacy Center for the first time since its construction.
Wet and muddy from their work to establish a rain garden, the middle school students are working hard and happy as I arrive. Some plunk down rocks to ward off the effects of runoff that could erode the landscape. Others are completing work on a small water retention pond that forms part of the overall project.
The environmental masterpiece has taken three weeks to complete. The project includes a ditch-like structure lined with hundreds of smooth stones and surrounded by at least 38 species of prairie plants native to Wisconsin.
An eager youngster proffers a copy of "Hands On, Feet Wet, The Story of River Crossing Environmental Charter School." Victoria Rydberg, River Crossing teacher, authored the book, which chronicles the experiences of dozens of successful graduates of the school.
Rydberg rides herd on the young environmentalists as they move mud from one place to another. With seven years of experience with the school, Rydberg understands that this is what makes the learning experience so unique.
She likes what is happening as the students make the connection between the natural world and the academic environment.
"It's watching the kids come to school willingly, eager to learn" she said.
While on site, she keeps a watchful eye from a distance as some students lead, some follow and still others ask questions of each other and their mentors. She and/or Nania step in whenever the situation calls for more intense involvement.
In addition to publishing the book about the school, Rydberg has won numerous awards, including being named the Educator of the Year by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress three years ago.
She and Nania look on with a smile as eighth-grader Stormey Hefko offers an explanation of the project. She likens the rain garden to a wetland.
"It's a type of ecosystem," Hefko says with authority. "The wetland acts as a filter."
As she concludes her discourse, another student scoops a tiny turtle from the muck. Eighth-grader Tanner Alt soon claims center stage with his prize while Nania recognizes yet another teachable moment.
The turtle is a newborn snapper. How do the students know?
"Cause it's got pointed edges around its shell," someone quickly suggests.
Nania and Rydberg could do no better than their choice of the Leopold Legacy Center as an outdoor learning experience. The new facility was built "green," including timber produced on the property.
Energy-saving features blended into the center's construction earned the Platinum Leadership Energy & Environmental Design Award from the U.S. Green Building Council. With a score of 61 out of a possible 69 points, the facility has the highest score worldwide of any evaluated to date.
Now, with help from the students of River Crossing Charter School, the Leopold legacy of environmental protection lives on.
Their mentor, Executive Director Jeff Nania of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, had ushered them up to see first hand how the Congress goes about its business of protecting our state's rich natural resources.
Nania had passed the word that his charges would be doing some volunteer restoration work at the recently dedicated Aldo Leopold Legacy Center near Baraboo. Since I had already planned to travel up that way to a WCC meeting, it seemed like a good idea to reconnect with the group and visit the Legacy Center for the first time since its construction.
Wet and muddy from their work to establish a rain garden, the middle school students are working hard and happy as I arrive. Some plunk down rocks to ward off the effects of runoff that could erode the landscape. Others are completing work on a small water retention pond that forms part of the overall project.
The environmental masterpiece has taken three weeks to complete. The project includes a ditch-like structure lined with hundreds of smooth stones and surrounded by at least 38 species of prairie plants native to Wisconsin.
An eager youngster proffers a copy of "Hands On, Feet Wet, The Story of River Crossing Environmental Charter School." Victoria Rydberg, River Crossing teacher, authored the book, which chronicles the experiences of dozens of successful graduates of the school.
Rydberg rides herd on the young environmentalists as they move mud from one place to another. With seven years of experience with the school, Rydberg understands that this is what makes the learning experience so unique.
She likes what is happening as the students make the connection between the natural world and the academic environment.
"It's watching the kids come to school willingly, eager to learn" she said.
While on site, she keeps a watchful eye from a distance as some students lead, some follow and still others ask questions of each other and their mentors. She and/or Nania step in whenever the situation calls for more intense involvement.
In addition to publishing the book about the school, Rydberg has won numerous awards, including being named the Educator of the Year by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress three years ago.
She and Nania look on with a smile as eighth-grader Stormey Hefko offers an explanation of the project. She likens the rain garden to a wetland.
"It's a type of ecosystem," Hefko says with authority. "The wetland acts as a filter."
As she concludes her discourse, another student scoops a tiny turtle from the muck. Eighth-grader Tanner Alt soon claims center stage with his prize while Nania recognizes yet another teachable moment.
The turtle is a newborn snapper. How do the students know?
"Cause it's got pointed edges around its shell," someone quickly suggests.
Nania and Rydberg could do no better than their choice of the Leopold Legacy Center as an outdoor learning experience. The new facility was built "green," including timber produced on the property.
Energy-saving features blended into the center's construction earned the Platinum Leadership Energy & Environmental Design Award from the U.S. Green Building Council. With a score of 61 out of a possible 69 points, the facility has the highest score worldwide of any evaluated to date.
Now, with help from the students of River Crossing Charter School, the Leopold legacy of environmental protection lives on.
