Day 12 Thursday *** I will add pictures eventually…

To begin today’s learning, we arrived to Coeur D’Alene Natural Resources. Bobbi White opened up today’s meeting with the question: What is one word that describes yesterday’s learning? Everyone had different words, mine was knowledge because of the different information we have been learning on this trip from all of these inspirational individuals.

Next, Stephanie whom works with the Environmental Program discussed a few items about Watershed in the area.

Channel straightening was practiced by the Army Corps and other residents of the area in the mid 1950’s. Coeur D’Alene tribe and some land owners in the area are working together to create new channels that benefit the wildlife, plant, trees, farmland, and the Tribe. Stephanie showed us slides of the recent project began in 2009 and completed in 2011, roughly a three year process. What really stands out in the pictures and in real life is how much the Alder Trees have grown since the seeds were planted.

After Stephanie’s discussion in the classroom, we then traveled to Jim and Judy’s property where the re-channeling project took place. Jim and Judy were excellent hosts, letting us know how excited they were to have us visiting the property especially since we were on a education class trip. I believe everyone that we visited were extremely happy to see students active during the summer, still learning.

Jim gave us his version of how the re-channeling has benefited his land by extending the crop area and irrigation to increasing the amount of wildlife in the area. He was happy to say that there has been a number of birds, elk, moose, and deer coming back to the area.  

Stephanie then took us on a tour in the field to show us where the channel is now, and where it used to be. I’d say this was rather exciting to see a project in its developing stages, as I said earlier, the trees were already about 8 feet tall. Stephanie mentioned that the trees should be full grown in 30 years, although the rate that these trees are growing I believe these trees will be at that height in less than 30 years.

The reason for the trees, is to keep areas of the channel (river) cold for fish and river life. The rocks used were not traditional riverbed rock, so the trees will definitely help the development and contribute to its purpose.

After the tour we then returned to the Natural Resources Department just in time to visit the Repository and listen to Carol-dee discuss the importance of Cultural Preservation Program (this building/room).

In this area, the historical artifacts are being stored (Beaded Items, Arrowheads, Rocks, Baskets, Audio/Video records), this program also shared the building with the IT department. This sounds like a great combination because both departments required room temperature control and cleanliness. This was a fast 25 minute, yet an insightful 25 minutes.

Then we squeezed in a meal, and went to assist in the canoe building in the Natural Resource Bull Pen (parking lot for their vehicles), I asked John a few questions regarding this amazing historical opportunity. The staff was extremely happy that us students were there to help, they allowed us to take shavings and chips.

I think we showered up today??? End of today’s brief log…