Field Ecology Students Present Research at Willow Wind

This past fall Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) offered Field Ecology for 11 to 13 year old Willow wind Community Learning Center students. Students learned how to conduct scientific studies in ecology. Each week theyexplored and conducted research on various aspects of the Willow Wind Natural Area, such as birds, soil, plants, and water quality.

At the end of the term, the students worked in groups to design their own field ecology researchat Willow wind. They developed research questions, hypotheses, and related research methods. Then, they collected and analyzed their data. Finally, the students prepared presentations using PowerPoint, just like field ecologists do for professional conferences. Projects included a comparison of soil health inside and outside the garden; an exploration of deer movements across the Willow Wind landscape; evaluation of environmental friendly behavior of Willow Wind students; comparison of the potential for native plants in the front field versus the restoration site; and a study of the age of Red Alders along Bear Creek.

Students presented their results and related conservation recommendations to their peers, parents, and KBO scientists.All were greatly impressed by the research and quality of presentations. John Alexander, Executive Director of KBO, stated, “These presentations are of the quality of presentations we see at science conferences. Each presentation clearly stated their hypothesis, methods, results, recommendations, and future research questions.”Willow Wind parent Shelly Elkavich recommended that the Willow Wind Land Use Committee utilize the findings of this valuable student research.For several students the group research project was the highlight of the class. Brendan Reece-Sullivan shared, “my favorite part of the course was doing the group research project because we got to do our own study.”

KBO enjoyed the opportunity to teach this passionate group of students and see them blossom into budding young scientists. “The students’ energy and enthusiasm for nature, science, and learning made for great fun. As I told the students, this has been my favorite class that I have ever taught,” expressed Southern Oregon University graduate student Amy Busch, KBO’s lead teacherfor the Field Ecology class. KBO looks forward to continuing to offer such courses at Willow Wind and this spring we are offering a follow-up course to Field Ecology called Ecology and Conservation.