Kids' day with Ruby Valley Conservation District

Last week over one hundred Ruby Valley 3rd through 5th graders congregated at the Giem Ranch in Twin Bridges for the 19th annual Kids River Resource Day to learn about topics pertaining to conservation, agricultural and resource management.

The Ruby Valley Conservation District (RVCD) founded this annual fun day of interactive learning in 2004, and has since hosted the event with different local ranches. This year was in conjunction with the Big Sky Watershed Corps and Giem Ranch, with presenters from the Jack Creek Preserve, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Grow Wild, and The Forestry Division. The students were divided into groups and visited stations with varying topics such as invasive species, salt water versus fresh water, electrofishing, macro invertebrates, bear awareness, wildlife management, wildlife in particular  and leaving no trace. “This event offers kids a chance to have connections with the land through local resources,” said Big Sky Watershed Corps. Member, Tim Weighhart. 

According to Merissa Ford, 4-H Youth Development Agent with the Madison Jefferson County Extension office, and first time presenter at the event, “The students are really into learning about saltwater versus freshwater density and variables,''She added, “This is up my alley and I love this. And it's so fun!”