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Fifth graders from various schools across Socorro County gathered for a day of exploration during Bosque Conservation Day at the Socorro Nature Area. The students participated in a series of hands-on outdoor workshops, immersing themselves in the natural landscape while discovering the importance of environmental conservation.
Various organizations, including the BLM, Game and Fish, Midway Fire Department, Socorro Library and Sevilleta, engaged students with games and activities to educate them about the Bosque ecosystem.
“We feel that young people should ideally come to view the river not just as a place to dump trash or for teenagers to party, but as an amazing piece of nature in our own backyard to be cared for and protected while embracing its traditional uses such as for hunting, fishing and firewood collection,” Matt Mitchel said.
Mitchell has been involved in the BCD since 2004, he is a falconer and falcon breeder.
“I volunteered to present at BCD to spark an appreciation of the many raptors that pass through the bosque. Despite a few skeptics, I personally feel it is important for youngsters, and teachers too, to actually hold a falcon on the glove to feel, see, and even smell the bird to truly get to know what they are all about,” Mitchell said “We hope that our efforts will make a difference in the lives of our youngest residents. Thursday’s participants seemed very enthusiastic over the raptors I let them meet.”
Emily Bruton, county program director of the Socorro County Cooperative Extension Service, said the event was also an opportunity for 4-H members to serve as group leaders.
“I believe field trips like these are important for all of the youth involved, both our 4-H members and the students who participate. It is a wonderful opportunity for the students to get hands-on learning experience on a wide variety of topics important to conservation,” Brunton said.
She said the 4-H members loved participating as group leaders. She believes it’s a good leadership opportunity for them to interact with other youth.
“I think it is important for our 4-H youth to have opportunities such as this where they can serve their community by being volunteers in a youth educational event,” Bruton said.
