Youth Programs

Environmental Explorers

Students entering grades 4-6

June 18-19, 2013

Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center,
La Crosse, Wis.

The program is co-sponsored by and held at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) on French Island.

Grab your binoculars, hip boots and discover the hidden treasures of nature living in and along the Mississippi River.

Learn and perform field and laboratory techniques used by scientists studying the Upper Mississippi River. Collect and identify macroinvertebrates, the small "critters" living in the mud and swimming in the water. Identify and learn about aquatic plants, trees, reptiles and amphibians of the floodplain forest. Observe and identify birds and the nests they make. Simulate tracking animals with radio transmitters. Navigate the forest and prairie using Global Positioning System, aerial photographs and land maps.

Fee:

$59, Early Bird Fee on/before May 6, 2013
$69, after May 6, 2013
Includes instructional materials, use of equipment, lunches and tote bag

Class size is limited to 40 participants to ensure hands-on participation. This program fills quickly!

Environmental Explorers Schedule:

Tuesday, June 18
7:30-8 a.m.	Registration
8-9:15 a.m.	Songbird Mist Netting & Banding Along the Mississippi River \| USGS Sampling Water Quality in the River: How and Why \| WI DNR
9:15-9:30 a.m.	Break
9:30-10:45 a.m.	Songbird Mist Netting & Banding along the Mississippi River Sampling Water Quality in the River: How and Why
10:45-11:45 a.m.	Environmental Games: Invasive Species & Bird Migration
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.	Lunch (box lunch provided)
12:15-1:30 p.m.	Backwater Safari \| WI DNR Fishes of the Mississippi River: Identification & Habitats \| USGS
1:30-1:45 p.m.	Break
1:45-3 p.m.	Backwater Safari Fishes of the Mississippi River: Identification & Habitats
3 p.m.	Depart

Wednesday, June 19
7:45-8 a.m.	Arrival
8-9:15 a.m.	Small Critters of the River \| USGS Mapping Our Environment & Tracking Animals using Radiotelemetry \| USGS
9:15-9:30 a.m.	Break
9:30-10:45 a.m.	Small Critters of the River Mapping Our Environment & Tracking Animals using Radiotelemetry
10:45-11:45 a.m.	Environmental Games: Invasive Species & Bird Migration
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.	Lunch (box lunch provided)
12:15-1:30 p.m.	Amphibians and Reptiles \| USGS Web of Life! \| USGS
1:30-1:45 p.m.	Break
1:45-3 p.m.	Amphibians and Reptiles Web of Life!
3-3:30 p.m.	Closing Ceremony
3:30 p.m.	Depart

NOTE: some revisions to schedule are possible

Scholarships:
Scholarships are available for financially disadvantaged students. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. 2013 Scholarship application will be accepted until scholarship funds have been depleted. A minimum payment of 15% is due at time of registration.

Cancellation Policy:
Registrations are accepted until June 9, 2013 or until enrollment is reached. Refunds will be given minus $25 cancellation fee, if requests are submitted in writing to UW-La Crosse Continuing Education & Extension, 1725 State Street, 205 Morris Hall, La Crosse, WI 54601, and received no later than May 18, 2013. No refunds will be made in the case of non-attendance or cancellations after May 18. Substitutions will be accepted.

Insurance:
Participants are encouraged to have their own health insurance as limited accident insurance is provided by UW-La Crosse.

For more Information: Continuing Education, 608.785.6504 or conted@uwlax.edu