Friends of Gualala River Protecting the Gualala River watershed and the species living within it
Annapolis (Sonoma County, California)
Friends of the Gualala River presented a natural history digital slide show of the Gualala River and its watershed, wildlife, and vegetation, to the kindergarten through fourth grade classes of Horicon School in Annapolis, on Friday, February 8, 2008.
The slide show followed the path of a helicopter “field trip” of the lower Gualala River, featuring photographs by Jamie Hall, and ground photos of the river and its tributaries by Dr. Peter Baye, who presented the talk.
Horicon students had recently visited the steelhead fish hatchery at Warm Springs Dam, and were eager to learn about stream habitats, native fish of the Gualala River, and its amphibians, birds, and plants.
 Dr. Peter Baye |
The barrier beach and lagoon at the mouth of the river, and its seasonal changes, were among the special habitats featured. Students learned about the geology of the river, how sediment interacts with riparian vegetation during peak flows, and how the river has made progress in recovery from clear-cut tractor logging of the mid-20th century.
It is heartening that in the era of electronic entertainment, young students were enthusiastic and intensely curious about the Gualala River and its wild inhabitants. Raised hands and urgent questions from students came non-stop throughout the talk, and students eagerly reported of their own observations and experiences about the river.
Horicon School teacher David Gerbic coordinated the virtual field trip to the Gualala River. Gerbic has invited a repeat of the talk for upper grade students later this winter.
