PLT Greenschools! YLINC 2014 Day Two

Jason Lombardi explains his urban wildlife research project.

Our campers got to know Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) in a big way on their beautiful Nacogdoches campus. 

When we first arrived at SFASU, we were a little early, so we planned to take a short walk in the verdant SFA Mast Arboretum, but as we were walking toward the trail, we noticed that Jason Lombardi and two fellow students, Andrew and Heather had captured a possum. They were working on Jason's Wildlife Management Master’s thesis project focused on urban wildlife and their behavior. Jason magnanimously offered to give our kids an impromptu presentation on his research. Jason, Andrew and Heather's dedication to their project was readily apparent in their willingness to talk to us, and the students were very engaged in an example of the kind of research that the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (ATCOFA) does every day.

Next, we visited with Dr. Brian Oswald for a presentation about fire and forests. He talked about how prescribed burns, fires set on purpose in very specific conditions, help forests stay healthy and protect the urban-wildland interface from catastrophic fires by removing excessive brush. He showed us the unique tools of the wildland firefighter that help them make fire breaks, invited the students to try walking in a 45 lb vest, and let the students try diving under a fire shelter. While the work of managing fire is dangerous and difficult, Dr. Oswald said, "People need this skill set in natural resources." He talked about the many fire jobs across the nation and about study abroad opportunities in Spain and the Netherlands. Some of his Fire Management students are currently conducting research in the Netherlands.

Dr. Oswald inspects Gabrielle Bravo's ability to get inside an
emergency fire shelter, and declares her a "live potato".

Dr. Matthew McBroom, SFASU hydrology professor, took our kids on a hands-on science sojourn to Sarah's Branch at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center (PNPC). We saw how the rain gardens filter runoff before it reaches Sarah's Branch, which flows into LaNana Creek. Emerson Hernandez and Clarissa Treviño used a Sechi Tube and a water sensor to determine the turbidity, conductivity, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen of a certain point of the stream. 

Dr. McBroom described Hydrologists as crime scene investigators for water bodies in trouble, using science to find sources of pollution and invent solutions to hydrology problems. He warned that pollution affects a water body as soon as it enters and "once a creek is polluted, it’s real expensive to clean it back up again". Leaving trees by a stream, creating rain gardens, picking up after your dog and encouraging more green spaces, all can help keep water clear and clean.

Emerson Hernandez collects a water
sample from Sarah's branch creek
adjacent to the PNPC

Elyce Rodewald, Educational Programs Coordinator at the PNPC introduced the sojoruners to the new educational center by the Tucker House which was built to LEED standards to have a minimal impact on the environment. It features low speed, high volume fans and 20 SERE air conditioning units. Green Mountain energy is planning on donating a grid-tie solar system to the facility.

Dr. Jeremy Stovall, Professor of Silviculture, had our students mesmerized with his discussion of how forests are managed. Dr. Stovall insisted that clearcuts, when done properly, are a wise management decision for a variety of land management goals. Our students asked at least a dozen questions of Dr. Stovall, such as "do trees ever grow back from stumps" and "Are nutrients or water removed from the site when trees are harvested?" He answered all of them, showing our kids that a college professor can engage them just like their phenomenal high school teachers, Mr. Juan Elizondo and Mr. David De Hoyos.

Courtney and Conner, purple-blooded SFASU Sylvans, gave the kids a shot at timber sports. The students tried their hands at hatchet throwing, knife throwing, log rolling and cross-cut saw.

Abiel Montalvo and Emerson Hernandez (out of frame on right) saw away with the Slyvans crosscut saw

Dr. Neil Cox, professor of printmaking at SFASU's College of Art, elucidated our energized pupils on how prints are made. He explained lithography, copper plate printing, and relief printing in as fine a detail as the prints he loves to run. We explored the photography studio were the oldest techniques are taught, the ceramics lab were art has made peace with function, and the art department workshop where Robert King makes fiddles from 1900's era cigar boxes. Dr. Cox revealed several interesting collaborative efforts between the College of Forestry and the School of Art. He also discussed scholarships with our students, encouraging them to not be the many who leave money on the table.

Dr. Neil Cox gives a lesson on printing from a copper plate

To round out the day, many of our students burned up some energy at a ZUMBA class at the City of Nacogdoches Recreation Center with ZUMBA instructor Misti Cranford. Then we retired back to Lazy Acres to feast on two flavors of enchiladas, handmade fresh tortilla chips, savory tamales, hearty frijoles charros and grilled jalapeños.

Glistening with fun after a great Zumba workout!

Glistening with fun after a great Zumba workout!

Tomorrow, we will venture into the Wilderness. The Wilderness Act, which preserves 106 million acres for public enjoyment and research, turns 50 this year!

Be sure to check out our Twitter feed, #YLINC2014, for live tweets and exclusive photos of our Youth Leadership in Nature Challenge journey! There are exclusive photos of the PNPC and more on our Flickr page as well!

P.S. They made Adrian Delgado, reporter and grant writer for FNFGT, a birthday he won't forget. Adrian's wife Lyndi, Tamberly Conway (Partnerships, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, and the YLINC campers made him a cake and brought him many lovely gifts. He thanks everyone from the bottom if his heart for their generosity. He is a very happy camper.