[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Thanks to a 2024 Go Outside Fund grant, 31 seventh-grade students explored the Sheboygan County Marsh for a wetland mini-adventure. Along the way, they learned about the importance of wetland ecosystems, the history of wetlands in Sheboygan County, and the impact of human actions on wetlands.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Students-canoeing-on-the-Sheboygan-County-Marsh.-Photo-by-Eric-Kracht.jpg” alt=”Students canoeing on the Sheboygan County Marsh” title_text=”Students Canoeing On The Sheboygan County Marsh. Photo By Eric Kracht” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Students canoeing on the Sheboygan County Marsh. Photo by Eric Kracht<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This spring, the Sheboygan County Marsh was the setting for a memorable experience for a class of middle schoolers. They journeyed to the marsh to experience it hands-on, bringing their classroom learning to life in a way that textbooks and screens just can\u2019t do.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, 31 seventh graders from Elkhart Lake\u2013Glenbeulah Middle School visited the Sheboygan County Marsh for a two-day outdoor learning experience. For the last 20+ years, students from Elkhart Lake\u2013Glenbeulah Middle School have had the opportunity to learn about wetlands through the Sheboygan County Wetland Project. The program is designed for students to learn about the importance of wetland ecosystems to our natural environment. Additionally, students learn about the connection between the health of wetland ecosystems and the quality of life in Sheboygan County. NRF is proud to have supported this program through our Go Outside Fund<\/a>, ensuring the field trip was affordable for all families.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Kris Wells” job_title=”seventh-grade teacher at Elkhart Lake\u2013Glenbeulah Middle School” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I noticed that students who aren’t always engaged in learning in a classroom were completely immersed in the experience at the marsh. They were enjoying the learning, and it felt like fun instead of work.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Elkhart-Lake-\u2013-Glenbeulah-Middle-School-by-Kris-Wells.jpg” alt=”Seventh grade class taking a group photo inside a building” title_text=”Elkhart Lake \u2013 Glenbeulah Middle School By Kris Wells” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Seventh grade class taking a group photo inside a building at the Sheboygan County Marsh. Photo courtesy of Kris Wells<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On the first day of the field trip, students paddled the Sheboygan County Marsh in canoes, observing biodiversity and ecological interactions within the marsh. Students learned about wetlands, ecosystems, food chains, and more. Additionally, they learned how wetlands have diminished over time.<\/p>\n On the second day, students split into groups to sample and identify macroinvertebrates in the marsh. All groups collected and identified at least 10 different macroinvertebrates living in the marsh. Many groups found 20, and some even found 30! Then, the students spent time in the laboratory exploring the macroinvertebrates with microscopes, magnifying glasses, and other tools. They also learned about the predators and prey of the marsh and why a vibrant ecosystem is critical for maintaining diverse wildlife species. Additionally, students learned about how valuable the marsh is to their local community. Local people impact the marsh and the marsh impacts them. The students explored ways to help preserve this local treasure.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Elkhart-Lake-\u2013-Glenbeulah-Middle-School-by-Kris-Wells-1.jpg” alt=”Students wade through the Sheboygan County Marsh looking for invertebrates.” title_text=”Elkhart Lake \u2013 Glenbeulah Middle School By Kris Wells (1)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Students wade through the Sheboygan County Marsh looking for invertebrates. Photo courtesy of Kris Wells<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Kris Wells” job_title=”seventh-grade teacher at Elkhart Lake\u2013Glenbeulah Middle School” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [The students] loved dipping their nets into the water and seeing all of [the] life that lives in our marsh. They spent several hours investigating the macroinvertebrates that live in the marsh and they would have been happy to spend several more hours there.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Kris Wells, a seventh-grade teacher at the school, shared that the students were engaged during the entire field trip, and were disappointed when the bus arrived to pick them up. Wells shared that \u201cthe best part was that the students were completely disconnected from the digital world and fully engaged in the natural world.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/A-student-looks-through-a-microscope-by-Eric-Kracht.jpg” alt=”A student looks through a microscope to identify the macroinvertebrates” title_text=”A Student Looks Through A Microscope By Eric Kracht” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A student looks through a microscope to identify the macroinvertebrates their group collected from the Sheboygan County Marsh. Their partner will help identify it using the dichotomous key. Photo by Eric Kracht<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Leading up to the field trip, students participated in a Wetlands Science unit. They learned about habitats and wetland types, food relationships, factors that impact aquatic plant populations, and more. Students also learned about the history of the Sheboygan County Marsh.<\/p>\n Upon returning back to the classroom, the students used the data and knowledge from the field trip to complete their wetland journals. The students wrote about the animals that live in the marsh, what makes a wetland habitat unique, and how human activities can affect the environment. The wetland journals included pictures, worksheets, reflections and more. Additionally, they completed their own marsh history documentaries.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/An-employee-from-Camp-Y-Koda-engaged-with-students-by-Eric-Kracht.jpg” alt=”An employee from Camp Y-Koda engaged with students at the Kohler Center, teaching them how to explore and identify the macroinvertebrates they collected from the Marsh” title_text=”An Employee From Camp Y Koda Engaged With Students By Eric Kracht” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n An employee from Camp Y-Koda engaged with students at the Kohler Center, teaching them how to explore and identify the macroinvertebrates they collected from the Sheboygan County Marsh. Photo by Eric Kracht<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Kris Wells” job_title=”seventh-grade teacher at Elkhart Lake\u2013Glenbeulah Middle School” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It was the perfect combination of physical and intellectual stimulation and an outstanding field trip that I think every middle school student should experience.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Thank you to NRF\u2019s supporters who make work like this possible through the Go Outside Fund!<\/p>\n The Go Outside Fund provides funding that helps connect youth to outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. Teachers or partner organizations may apply for funding to cover costs that facilitate getting kids outside and hands-on with nature, such as purchasing field supplies, or paying for transportation, substitute teachers, or educator costs.<\/p>\n Interested in supporting nature-based learning experiences? Become a member<\/a> of NRF or make a donation directly to the Go Outside Fund at www.WisConservation.org\/Give<\/a> designated to the \u201cGo Outside Fund.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/go-outside-fund\/” button_text=”About the go outside fund” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nA seventh-grade class explores the Sheboygan County Marsh<\/h3>\n
Learning from the marsh<\/h3>\n
There and back again: taking what they learned back to the classroom<\/h3>\n
Supporting nature-based learning experiences<\/h3>\n