HOWARD - Educators of all ages need to be aware of the wonderful resource available right in our own backyard the Bald Eagle State Park.
Not only is this a beautiful, natural part of our environment, but there are a variety of quality programs offered by the park personnel.
On April 19, the sixth grade classes of Betsy Coffey, Sharon Culvey, Margerate Heverly and Jennifer Weaver spent the whole day in an outdoor classroom where pond exploration, orienteering, hiking, scoping for bald eagles and searching for Zorks were part of the curriculum.
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“Eagle” Bob Zielinski, who, as a volunteer for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, offered his services to students who recently explored Bald Eagle State Park.
None of the students were prepared for getting right into the pond, (as high as their waders would allow them), hiking right into a painting (as one student described the scenery) or plugging compasses into their belly buttons and "following Fred right into the shed."
The students were exhausted on the way home, yet they talked non-stop about how much fun it all was. Nick Thomas coordinated the day. He kept the attention of the 100 students whenever he addressed them. Matt Truesdale led the students'; favorite activity when he had students don waders and, to the students' surprise, announced, "Everyone into the water!"
Special thanks goes to "Eagle" Bob Zielinski, who, as a volunteer for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, offered his services and scope to students so they could peek into the resident eagles' nest across the lake from the Nature Inn. Lucky ones got to see the two eaglets as they reached toward their parents' beaks for food.
All of the programs are free, pavilions are available; and of course, the trails, playground, large recreational areas and beach are all there for the public's use at no charge.
