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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I and habitat do they need to survive and how can Trott Brook provide these items? Another rare species students can study is the red shouldered hawk. This species can be found along portions of the Rum River. It requires large, unbroken territories for survival. Students can determine how much territory the birds need and what the potential is for this species to be found in and using Trott Brook. Through these activities, students will gain an appreciation for animals and the space that they need to live. Why is it important for these species to survive? What role do they play in the ecology of their habitats? Students can use studies of both the Blandings turtle and the red shouldered hawk to answer these questions and create more questions of their own. Trott Brook provides an area for stream and water quality analysis. Students can participate in invertebrate studies on Trott Brook to find present species and check for missing species. Students can use information about the presence and the absence of species to deduct environmental qualities in Trott Brook. They can study fish species for the same reasons. The presence of trout indicates a healthy stream. Trout are not present in Trott Brook. Students can rationalize about reasons for this absence. Students can also use water quality testing to indicate missing or excessive nutrients in Trott Brook. Nutrient studies may answer questions about invertebrate and fish populations as well as potential pollution problems. Pollution problems could be used as a springboard for developing community awareness in students. Using the information from these studies, students can decide whether or not Trott Brook is a healthy stream and if not, what could be done to enhance its quality. Trott Brook and its surrounding natural area offer many opportunities for an environmental learning center. Students using Trott Brook will gain problem solving skills though hands-on, "real life" activities. Exposure to and understanding of natural areas gives students an idea of how people affect nature and our surroundings. Refer to Appendix V for a list of community organizations that assist with environmental education programs. School Districts Reaction to a Trott Brook ELC Anoka, Hennepin, and Elk River school districts had mixed reactions to using the Trott Brook corridor as an Environmental Learning Center. All instructors consulted thought the utilization of an Environmental Learning Center is an important addition to students learning experiences. Many of the instructors felt that Trott Brook Corridor would best be used for full day field trips. Steve Bryan, a seventh grade instructor at Sandburg middle school, felt that field trips benefit the students in several ways. Students can work on projects for all of their classes in a stimulating, outdoor setting. They also gain knowledge and respect for their environment. Schools are not within walking distance; therefore, transportation costs are a limiting factor. 21