The 2011 Young Friends summer youth environmental education program has successfully completed with 22 students attending. Our instructor this year was Mr. Brandon Fischer Jex “Fischer.” Fischer is a graduate of the Kamana Naturalist Training Program and Wilderness adventure programs. He has spent the last 3 years working at the Wagbo Farm and Education Center conducting educational activities for schools and the community. Margaret Moran of the FOJ Board provided additional supervision and we were pleased to have a former student Emily Pentecost come back in the role of an assistant. Maria from the Wagbo Center attended several events sharing her knowledge of tracking and plant identification and providing additional supervision for the nature hikes. Funding was provided through a grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and the Friends of the Jordan.
2011 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Nature hikes in the Jordan Valley
- Learn to critically observe nature
- Identify/document amphibians & reptiles for the Michigan Herp Atlas Project
- Explore wild edibles dangerous plants
- Identify animal tracks and sign
- Learn about the bio-diversity and potential threats to our lakes and rivers
- Fossil Hunting and Rock picking
- Hear the ecological history of the area
- Learn and practice Leave No Trace principles and hiker etiquette
- Swimming (life guard provided)
- Rafting the Jordan
- Develop friendships and have FUN
