Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) a Denver, Colorado based non-profit was recently awarded the More Kids in the Woods grant through the USDA. The primary objective with the grant funds is to develop new, and expand existing, innovative partnerships that provide hands-on experience with public lands, helping to remedy the disconnect between nature and children.

ELK has teamed up with the US Forest Service to provide these outdoor experiences to youth in the Denver metro area. Saturday, Jan. 19 was a great day to be out exploring in the Pike National Forest. We were very lucky to have Denny Bohon, a Wildlife Biologist from U.S Forest Service, leading the trip for us. Dennydiscussed the many issues facing our rivers, lakes, streams, ponds and reservoirs.

There were about 25 of us that headed out of Denver for the day to explore the beauty of Colorado. We finally reached the trailhead to the Cheeseman Canyon Trail, unloaded and got all geared up. With the sun shining bright I knew we were in for a great day! At the trailhead, we met up with Denny. She handed out to everyone a photo of either an animal or a plant. Along the trail we were to look for signs of this animal, i.e. tracks or scat. Right a way we spotted mice tracks - lots of mice tracks. Some squirrel tracks, deer and tracks made by some kind of canine, but couldn't be sure if it was a fox, coyote, or someone's pet.

We hiked about two miles to a clearing, right on the South Platte River. After lunch, Denny told us a bit of history about the Canyon. Then came the part that was very hands-on! We conducted pH level tests on the river, bottle water, dirty river water, lemons, and urine. The pH test is to see if any of liquid samples are drinkable. All the liquids pH levels were low enough to drink, but the test still doesn't mean it safe to drink because of the suspended particles in the liquids. If there are more then five hundred particles in the sample, it is not safe.

Denny pulled out another tool used for testing water -this instrument counted the number of particles in the samples, and again all were drinkable even the urine. But would the samples be safe to drink? After this great history lesson and pH tests, we packed up our gear and hiked back through the canyon. Once way finally got to the vans, we enjoyed some hot cocoa while Denny talked about her job as a Wildlife Biologist at the US Forest Service.

ELK has begun and will continue partnering with the US Forest Service to get more youth in Colorado involved in fishing, camping, and learning about wildlife.

For more information please contact ELK's Education Director Kim Glatz
303-291-7554, kglatz@elkkids.org. Please visit our Web site at www.elkkids.org.