The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center has received a grant though the United States Forest Service called “Healthy Kids/Healthy Habitats.” The grant promotes “More Kids in the Woods” or more hands-on outdoor experiences for kids in the Berlin and Troy School Districts. Funding provides free field trips to the Dyken Pond Center and three visits from Dyken Pond educators into the classroom. The program focuses on birds and their habitats and has components that include a snowshoe excursion and having students participate in a nationwide bird identification program.
On Monday, February 9, children in the third grade at Berlin Elementary made their first attempt at snowshoeing and it was a huge success. Before the students went out Mrs. Leslie Conklin, teaching assistant at the school, shared her idea of making snow goggles. This activity fit into the theme that the class is currently studying which is Alaska (Polar Regions). Snow goggles were used by the Alaska Native hunters, who would often encounter snow and ice during their hunting excursions. The snow goggles protected the hunters’ eyes from snow and ice glare in the springtime. The goggles were usually made out of wood, ivory and/or bowhead whale baleen with carved narrow slits for viewing. As the third grade was a little short of the above mentioned materials their goggles were made from file folders and yarn.
While the class was outside on their snowshoeing excursion, Ms. Lisa Hoyt, Director, Dyken Pond Center also introduced the students to some Alaskan games that children used to play. The experience was a huge success for the students, and they are looking forward to their next visit from Ms. Hoyt when they will continue to investigate birds and habitats.