Article Contributed on: 11/10/2008 11:43:47 AM
As part of aquatic biology at Castle View High School, students take a field trip into Waterton Canyon to collect and analyze water data.
During these excursions, led by biology teacher
Jenny Dallman, students pull on waders and trudge into the chilly water to collect test samples. Students learn about the chemical makeup of the river as well as the insects that call it home.
On Nov. 7, Dallman was recognized by the Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners at its 10th annual conference held at the Wildlife Experience in Parker.
Dallman was presented with her own Green Kit for chemical analysis of water. Until now, she has had to borrow a kit from the Partners for the field trips.
"This is huge," Dallman said. "This is so awesome. It will allow me to continue the trips, and it will last me five years."
She said since the Douglas County school bond issue 3A/3B didn't pass, teachers are worried about funding, so she didn't think she could get money for a kit. Now with her own, she said she plans to have students analyze water samples in the immediate vicinity of the school.
"I have a great passion for teaching students about our earth and about sustainable living," Dallman said. "Aquatic ecosystems drive every biome on earth and provide the foundation for all life to live. It is imperative students understand this connection as we move into the 21st century, as freshwater becomes a leading concern for everyone."
Casey Davenhill, watershed coordinator for the Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners, nominated Dallman for the award. She has accompanied Dallman on several of her field trips and said Dallman recognizes the Partners' mission of promoting the protection of land, water, habitat and recreational resources in the Cherry Creek watershed.
The Cherry Creek watershed encompasses southern Douglas County up through Larkspur, Castle Rock, Parker and flows into Cherry Creek State Park. The Partners brings together landowners, land use agencies, businesses, schools and others interested in stewardship of the watershed.
"Water quality issues are really important to us at a headwater state and we have a special responsibility," Davenhill said. "It's great to have teacher who understand that and passes it on to to students so they are knowledgeable citizens."