SHS students present at summit

Students from Sisters IEE program (Interdisciplinary Environmental Education) and Rima Givot's high school biology class presented at the Deschutes Watershed Summit at Eagle Crest Resort on Tuesday, May 12.

Kolleen Yake, education director with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, works with students on projects about the local watershed and the summit was a chance for these students to present their research to the public.

Sisters student Dani Rudinsky (also an IEE intern) created a piece of art out of trash she found around the high school and on the trails. The piece had a structure made of wood and covered with plastic bags and pieces of trash. Dani said she was inspired to make something out of trash instead of just throwing it away, "because there really is no 'away'."

Students from Givot's Biology B class presented their bird studies, conducted over a period of three weeks. Their projects focused on comparisons between eating and behavior habits in various birds in the conservation area behind Sisters High School.

"The Watershed Summit gives students a chance to share authentic research with students and professionals beyond their class." Givot told The Nugget. "Through the process of researching about the local environment and then sharing their findings, the students engage in determining and resolving environmental issues. They also connect with the natural environment through experience and begin to take an active and informed role in determining solutions. This is an empowering experience for the students."

Glen Herron's IEE class presented their project on Whychus Creek, discussing whether salmon and steelhead are going to be able to return to Whychus (see related story, page 3). The IEE students went out to different parts of the creek and conducted studies on the water such as the Ph level and dissolved oxygen level. They also re-planted parts of the riparian zone for improved habitat. The goal of this restoration is to return the fish population back to Whychus Creek as well as return the natural flow pattern of the creek through Central Oregon.

The IEE class closed out the day with performances of songs they had written for the class as well as a group performance of "This Land is Your Land."