Two interpreters from Oak Hammock Marsh (located near Stonewall Manitoba) presented two programs to Elkhorn School students on Thursday, Nov. 7.
The first presentation focused on the wetlands in Manitoba. Under the guidance of interpreter Craig, students brainstormed what wildlife could be found in a wetland area. They learned that wetlands have the most diverse habitat for life and support many types of animals, birds and other living creatures.
Students then focused on the types of birds in wetlands and through discussion, how birds were different from other creatures.
Discussion was then narrowed down to the owl. Students had the opportunity to dissect a sterilized owl pellet to discover what the owl had for dinner! Pellets are the regurgitated remnants of prey – the indigestible parts of a meal such as bone, fur, claws and feathers. Owls regurgitate pellets about 20 hours after eating.
While one grade was learning about owls, a high school class was learning about the life of the voyageur, in discussion with Elise from Oak Hammock Marsh.
She demonstrated the type of clothing worn and the purpose of each piece. Students then had the chance to dress a fellow student as a voyageur – the catch being the person being dressed could not move and the dresser was blindfolded!
Students also participated in a bannock toss and learned how a sling shot was used for hunting.
The events of the day provided hands on activities for students to learn about the world around them and about life in Canada’s early days.
The programs were sponsored by the Upper Assiniboine Conservation District.
