KOSCIUSKO, MS: On April 9, high school students from Kosciusko Attala County Vo-Tech , along with second and third graders from Kosciusko Lower Elementary and Kosciusko Middle Elementary schools, went on a field trip to the Natchez Trace Parkway. National Park Service Ranger Andrew Schnetzer met with the students and teachers. Together, they tested water from nearby Hurricane Creek to learn about environmental stewardship.
“We are proud of the strong relationship between the National Park Service and Attala County schools.” said Terry Wildy, Chief of Interpretation at the Natchez Trace Parkway. “Cooperative efforts, like this stream study, go a long way toward inspiring young learners.”
At the Hurricane Creek pullout, students waded into the shallow water, identified aquatic insects and amphibians, and collected stream water samples in small vials. Students used these samples to collect data on water temperature and clarity. The lesson was designed to explore human impacts on local watersheds. Funding for this hands-on learning experience was provided by the National Park Foundation.
Attala County Agricultural Environmental Science and Technology Instructor and FFA Adviser Kenneth Georgia have been involved in this project for almost three years. “Our FFA chapter takes stewardship of our natural resources very seriously, and is making a positive impact in our local community. Superintendent Brian Weaver and our Vocational Director Tony Holder have been supportive of our agricultural program from day one. We cannot express how grateful we are to the Natchez Trace Parkway for such a wonderful learning opportunity for all of our students,” said Georgia.
Photo: A member of the Attala County FFA directs second and third graders learning about water quality. NPS Photo by A. Schnetzer.
