Students at the Fond du Lac STEM Academy Work to Lessen Human Impact on the Environment

As part of the Fall 2021 semester at the Fond du Lac STEM Academy, students are learning about the impact that humans have on the environment. To help learn more about human impacts to our waterways, our Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Chris was invited to come speak about invasive species. Chris spoke with the 7th graders about how human activities have resulted in the introduction of aquatic invasive species. Covering topics from accidental introductions all the way to purposeful introductions of new plants and animals to new lakes, the students asked insightful questions and were eager to apply their newfound knowledge. With the record warm temperatures, Chris and the students were able to do just that!

Close to the STEM Academy is a piece of property with the East Branch of the Fond du Lac River running through it. The property is owned by the Academy. Even though it is mid-December, there are multiple invasive plants that are currently growing underwater. With tools like monitoring rakes (rakes used to monitor plants in the water) and Aquascopes (PVC pipes with clean plastic allowing for students to view plants underwater), students traversed the creek for aquatic invasive species. In addition, students helped pick up littered trash. All in all, the students got real world, first hand experience with learning and lessening human impacts to our environment! We always enjoy working with the students and staff of the STEM Academy! Thanks for inviting us into your classroom!

Are you a local teacher who wants to have presentations or hands on activities about our water resources? The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance provides free educational opportunities and would love to work with you and your students! Contact us to learn more!

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance’s Winnebago Waterways Program on our Winnebago Waterways Facebook page or @WinnWaterways on Twitter! You can also sign-up for email updates at WinnebagoWaterways.org.

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance program. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and advocates effective policies and actions that protect, restore, and sustain water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

Photo Credit: Chris Acy