Day on the Creek teaches about environment, wildlife, habitat and the history and culture of the Pincher Creek area
PINCHER CREEK, Alta. — On an ordinary day, the path along Pincher Creek, from which the town gets its name, is a quiet place; ideal for a contemplative stroll to commune with nature.
For six hours, Day on the Creek changes that.
It’s a day to teach students about environment, wildlife, habitat and the history and culture of the region. Ideally, it will equip those students with an understanding and appreciation for all of those topics.
The third annual Day on the Creek, held May 29, attracted more than 650 students from kindergarten to Grade 12, who had access to numerous outdoor stations where 80 presenters and volunteers provided information and hands-on activities.
Topics included native plants and animals, aquatic and terrestrial insects, riparian ecosystems, First Nations history, bear safety, archeology and invasive species.
“It’s not really focused at the public, although of course the public is welcome,” said organizer Nora Manners. “It is focused on families because it’s the middle of the work week.”
Manners works for the Waterton Biosphere Reserve, the organization that spearheads the event along with the town of Pincher Creek, the Livingstone Range School Division and Alberta Parks.
“I think the kids had a great time,” Manners said. “The students and the teachers are getting more comfortable with it. It’s unreal, the support that we have.”
Twenty organizations provided personnel and information for the day.
