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Education
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- Written by: Carolynn Jarrett
ANDERSON MARSH – Fifty-eight fourth to sixth graders from schools throughout Lake County participated in the art and science camp held at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park on Saturday, May 1.
During the morning, students rotated through four stations.
In the south barn, they looked at slides in a microscope and then compared the skulls, pelts and (plastic) scat of herbivores and carnivores.
In the north barn, they learned about American Indian history and culture and then made a tule doll.
At the ranch house, they took a tour and then joined a band to learn "Polly Wolly Doodle" (a pioneer song).
On a nature walk to Cache Creek, they saw turtles, deer, rabbits and lots of birds.
These free camps are always well-received by the students and adults who participate.
The camps highlight the importance of the Anderson Marsh site as a place to study Native American and European history, plant and animal life, and the ecology and geology of the area.
The camps would not be possible without the support of local volunteers and service groups.
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- Written by: Janine Smith-Citron
LAKE COUNTY – On June 7, 62 Pomo School fifth graders toured the county's Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant to learn what happens to water when it goes down the drain.
The field trip, sponsored by Lake County Special Districts, was the culmination of “Waterwise,” a water conservation program taught in their classroom.
Students toured several areas of the facility to learn about wastewater treatment procedures and innovative technologies the county applies in the production of geothermal and solar energy.
Utility Area Superintendent Robert Saderlund, who works at the treatment plant, provided oversight of the tour.
He demonstrated the importance of not using the toilet as a wastebasket by displaying examples of items such as toys, jewelry, diapers and other objects often screened and removed at the Headwork’s prior to treatment. These items have the potential of plugging up the sewer, either at their home or in the mainline.
Students also observed the treatment process of wastewater being biologically transformed to effluent prior to being pumped to The Geysers for reuse in geothermal energy production. Lake County is a “net exporter” of electricity.
“Most students were unaware and surprised at how extensively water is reused and energy is generated at this facility, all in one location right in their neighborhood ” said Pomo fifth grade teacher Shane Lee. “They expected to only see ponds and machines that dispense chemicals to clean the water. This was certainly an educational experience.”
Students observed that not only is wastewater collected and treated at the plant, an array of 2,230 solar panels installed at the location generate 95 percent of the electricity needed to operate the plant.
They also viewed computerized maps and diagrams illustrating the path of treated water piped from the Northwest Treatment Plant near Lakeport.
The treated water travels 49 miles – including a stop at the Southeast Treatment plant on its way up to The Geysers.
The treatment plant tour was an opportunity to reinforce water conservation messages students learned in the classroom helping prepare them to become “Waterwise” consumers.
Lake County Special Districts provides water service and wastewater treatment in many areas of Lake County.
For more information about the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant or Lake County Special Districts call 707-263-0199.
Janine Smith-Citron works for Lake County Special Districts.
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- Written by: Claire Grieve
LAKE COUNTY – Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club sponsors a Smokey Bear poster contest for local youth to help teach them about fire prevention and basic environmental conservation principles.
CLTTGC member and art teacher Pat Hopper has taught art at Lakeport Elementary School to Marilyn Guenther’s second grade class for 10 years. Each student is given a Smokey Bear coloring book; then with a poster paper and crayons, the students free hand draw Smokey Bear, color their poster and, most important, write: “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”
Taking first place this year for the second grade level and second place for California Garden Club Inc. is Jaquelin Garcia, a student in Guenther's class.
Winning first place in the third grade division and honorable mention for California Garden Club Inc. is Nicabec Casido, who is in Jackie Akins' class.
First, second, third and honorable mention are chosen from all the students’ posters.
First place is sent to California Garden Club Inc. and then that first place winner is sent on to the national level.
The grand prize national poster contest winner will win a free round trip airfare and accommodations for four to Washington, DC.
The first place national winners from each grade level will each receive a $100 US Savings Bond.
Smokey Bear is recognized nationally and internationally as the symbol for fire prevention. You've seen him dressed in a ranger's hat and blue jeans and carrying a shovel. The original Smokey Bear appeared in 1944.
Smokey's message, “Remember, Only You can prevent wildfires,” is one that children have heard for many years. It is encouraging personal responsibility for fire prevention. Smokey Bear teaches children and adults to be careful with campfires, barbecues, trash fires and matches.
The US Forestry keeps a record of the number of schools, youth organizations and students the garden clubs reach within each state. The agency invests tax payer money in keeping this partnership alive. The clubs need to help them justify the use of these funds by providing an estimate of outreach efforts with the Smokey Bear poster contest.
Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of the month, September through May, at the Scotts Valley Women’s Clubhouse, 2298 Hendricks Road in Lakeport.
Annual dues are $20 per person.
CLTTGC is a member of Mendo-Lake District, California Garden Club Inc., Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs Inc.
For more information visit www.clttgc.org.
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- Written by: Editor
NAPA VALLEY – The Napa Valley College Paramedic Program will begin a new class this fall.
The first day of class will be Aug. 19.
The application period has been extended to Aug. 1.
“You will need to get your applications in as soon as possible, as acceptance to the program is determined on a first-come, first-served basis, using a tiered experience format,” said Cori Carlson, program director.
The 2010 class will have 24 openings which will be filled by the first 24 applicants who have successfully completed all requirements.
The class meets two days per week for the convenience of working professionals and features a hands-on learning environment with state of the art paramedic equipment to train on.
Classes are held at the main Napa campus.
See www.napavalley.edu/Academics/HealthOccupations/EMS/Pages/Paramedic.aspx for more information on the program, the list of paramedic program requirements and technical standards.
In addition to the Paramedic application, you must apply to Napa Valley College.
See www.napavalley.edu/StudentServices/AR/Pages/HowtoApply.aspx for information on the college application.