Science Saturdays at the Arboretum: Pond Ecology and Invasive Species

The Arboretum Associates is launching a new summer series to engage school-aged children in nature-based activities in the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden called Science Saturdays. There will be three programs this inaugural season, including a session on raptor conservation and rehabilitation, freshwater ecosystems and invasive species, and observing nature through art.

On Saturday, July 26, Fish and Wildlife Sciences Professor Janet Rachlow and her team of summer interns will help us explore the diversity of aquatic plants and animals and learn about the effects of invasive aquatic species on our native species. After sampling the pond water, we will inspect the various forms of life it contains and measure levels of light, oxygen, and nutrients that this pond life needs to survive. We will also examine museum and live specimens of native and exotic species found in aquatic ecosystems around our region.

The final program of the season will be held on August 23 and will be run by Will Boyd, President of the Homeschool Institute of Science, and local artists Tyler and Meghan Antkoviak. They will help us develop our skills of observation as we learn how to make simple sketches of nature. We will learn the anatomy of a leaf and how to identify several common broad-leaved trees found in the arboretum.

Programs will begin at 10:30 am on the specified dates and will meet at the Red Barn located at the south end of the arboretum. These programs are free and open to the public. Pre-registration in encouraged, as space is limited. Children 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, or to register for one or more of these programs, send an email to sciencesaturday@uidaho.edu.