Students learn about the importance of water

LAWRENCE, Neb. (KSNB) - Students from six schools from Hastings to Fairbury had the chance to learn about one of the world’s largest resources - water. Around 150 fifth and sixth graders spent their Wednesday at Liberty Cove Recreation Area for the 2021 Water Jamboree, where they learned about the natural resource through hands-on, interactive activities.

Students were educated on topics such as hydro powered energy, bird migrations, river run-off, erosion as well as the food chain of animals in Nebraska.

Scott Nelson, general manager for Little Blue Natural Resources District, said they had been hosting this event for 20 years, but they had to call things off in 2020 because of COVID-19.

“Happy to have all the area fifth and sixth graders back to learn about our natural resources and, about 150 kids out here today, beautiful day,” Nelson said. “And, just hoping that the kids are having a good time.”

He added, it’s best to teach kids the importance of natural resources at a young age. Every other year the topic switches from earth and water.

Jessica Hedges, media communications specialist for Little Blue NRD, told Local4 news that, typically, they have nearly 400 students come out to participate in the natural resources event, but this year she said the number was lower, likely due to COVID-19.

Camden Mau, a sixth grader at Sutton Public Schools, said her and her classmates started out their day away from their usual learning environment just right.

“The first thing we did was we got to play recess so that was fun, and then we learned about our food chains and played games,” Mau said.

UNL Extension and Nebraska Parks and Recreation staff also joined in on the jamboree to teach the kids.

Eli Ladehoff, one of Mau’s classmates at SPS, said the day out at Liberty Cove was successful.

“It’s really nice so, we’ve been learning a lot of new things and we’re outdoors, so that’s good,” Ladehoff said.

Next year, students are planning to learn about the earth with Little Blue NRD. Nelson said they will continue the tradition of welcoming students out to learn about natural resources for years to come.

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