The Dwarf Lake Iris is in bloom, you may have seen it
as you were coming in the little purple flower.
Crazy to think that it's a threatened species
because it is so prevalent here.
We're going to look at different
locations, to maybe install
some interpretive signage about the Dwarf Lake Iris.
So I know that was a goal of you guys'.
These Posen high school students are learning about
the related ecosystem to this watershed here
on Lake Huron and Thompsons Harbor State Park.
They're using their quadrats to do some habitat mapping.
So they're doing
some stewardship work and they're actually
doing their science class with some partners here
to help them who have experience in identifying the species.
Our high school is
about 10 miles from here,
but some of the students hadn't been here before
and they didn't realize all
the different unique habitats in this ecosystem
and how fragile it really can be and why
it's important to protect it.
So, you know, I really want to foster that.
I want to hear from you.
Just some reminders of why the fen is so unique.
The B-WETprogram funds locally relevant, experiential learning
for K-12 students and educators through what is called
meaningful watershed educational experiences.
Huron Pines through this B-WET grant project,
we are engaging with teachers and students to increase
their knowledge and
understanding in the ecosystems in northeast Michigan.
It's so important for students
to learn about the global habitats in their backyard
when they learn it young.
They take it with them throughout their lives
and share that knowledge,
and they'll never forget what a coastal fen is.
And they all grew up here, and they'll remember that
a global ecosystem was right in their backyard all along.
By taking the research
that we're doing in the classroom
and then being able
to actually be here in the field
and apply that and see it and touch it and feel it,
that really solidifies that connection that they have to it
Did anybody see any invasive species at all?
That's what we're going to take care of next,
is pulling that, because that does tend to grow,
you know, right next to the iris.
When you take students outside of the classroom
and really engage them in a hands on learning project
where they can be stewards of the land and understand
those interconnections between the habitat type
and the unique species that live there.
So those experiences, they shape our lives
and our memories and define who we are and where we will go
long into the future.
If I eventually come back here or if I go to another state
park, I will know to watch out for those invasive species
and how they are hurtful to native plants and animals.
When we get back to the classroom,
the students are going to decide what is the most important
information that, you know,
a general visitor to the park
should know about
the iris and why it's important to protect it.
And we will then have it made and then we'll install it here.
So something that it will be like a
lasting impact that they had, fostering that sense of place
and the sense of care and understanding
for these natural communities will only help build
conservation stewards long to the future.