Blog
Browse this page for blog postings related to middle- and high-school-teacher Adventure Learning workshops taking place across Idaho. Use the widgets to the right (or at bottom of this page, for smaller devices) to filter blog posts.
OHVs + eagles = impact for us all
I found the video from IDPT on the impact off highway recreational use on eagle breeding to be the most interesting of the videos chosen for use to watch. Firstly, I can see the use of MILES research funding in active use in this program. I also enjoyed the newer use of transponders that upload real-time data to the investigators. That is a far cry from when I was working in scientific research and had to download information on movement at the end of a long time period and then sift through the data for a pattern to emerge.
Finally I found this interesting because I've worked... more
Enough is Enough
Moving to Idaho over a decade ago was quite a shock. I grew up on a 300 acre farm and we never had to irrigate anything. I did not even know what moving pipe meant. With agriculture being the driving force of the state's economy in Idaho, it is absolutely necessary that farmers have adequate access to the aquifers. Yet it seems with the relatively rapid population growth and the increased demands upon the aquifer to keep green grass in our yards, combined with the fact that our agricultural lands are being turned into housing developments the farmer is the one who loses. I think we... more
Water - Kind of a Big Deal
Looks like water is a big concern for Idaho and the MILES project, and rightly so. Whether it is the water quality of places like the Portneuf or Marsh Creek, or the availability of water in places like the Treasure Valley, it seems water is on the minds of scientists and conservationists statewide. Speaking of water, I envy the on-site learners for the MILES workshop in Pocatello this year. I participated on-site last year and truly enjoyed getting to learn more about our local waterway, the Portneuf. As a digi-learner this year, I look forward to reading your blogs throughout the... more
Water
I was not aware that so many scientists and conservationists are working on protecting our waterways and drinking water. We have got to protect our water presently and for future generations. If the ecosystems can't thrive, that will affect the ecosystem services that we are used to. It may cost more up front to protect these ecosystems, but in the long run it will not be as costly. I would like to see and hear more about the efforts that are being done to preserve our ecosystems so that the general public is made aware of how important they are to the sustainability of these... more
Impact of MILES
I really enjoyed all of the videos and learning more about the eductional and conservation efforts in Idaho. My favorite part was the land owner who said that no rancher he knows wakes up planning destruction. I love that the conservation efforts are being made WITH landowners. I think it is great that they are using the public and their input as well and teaming up with social scientists. Education and a feeling of ownership plays a vital role in conservation efforts. I am really excited to be a part of these efforts and pass on some knowledge to my students!
Portneuf's future:
I am very pleased to see that many people, and programs like MILES have taken up the challenge to see what can be done in developing the Portneuf river as it runs through Pocatello. I live on Pocatello's west side, just a block from the unsightly aqueduct that channels the Portneuf river through Pocatello. Saying that it has always been an eyesore to me is an understatement. It's hideous to look at, largely inaccessible, and tragic waste of a good river and the opportunities and services that go along with that. I would very much like to be a part of that effort. The Portneuf river has so... more