H-D students see nature protection up close in new conservation science class

A new class at Hampton-Dumont High School aims to show students the range of careers dedicated to protecting the area’s natural resources.

This year, high school students had the option of taking Conservation Science, which is meant to connect students in the class with conservation professionals.

Instructor Lydia Davis said the class incorporates normal instruction with guest visits who share experiences and projects they encounter on a regular basis. So far, students have heard from Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Franklin County Conservation representatives with lessons from the Hampton Tree Board and many more on deck.

“The class is meant to expose students to the different areas of conservation so having as many guest speakers and projects as we can fit in our schedule to give the kids opportunities to see the fields they can go into if they want to pursue conservation and see the areas that are here in the town and community they may not have realized were here,” said Davis.

Last Tuesday’s lesson had students construct underwater fish habitats using buckets, pipes and concrete. Once assembled, the structures will be sunk into local waterways managed by Franklin County Conservation. Thomas Rice, Park Ranger with Franklin County Conservation, said after a year or two, the structures will grow moss and plants and serve as a habitat for several species of fish.

“Once the plants fully take over, you won’t be able to hardly tell what they are and it provides a very good spot for predatory fish to hide and ambush other smaller fish,” he said.

He said he was pleased to have the opportunity to visit the class and introduce students to new methods and lessons they may not have previously known.

“When I was approached for the class, I wanted to do something for the kids to get their hands dirty rather than stand around and listen to me talk,” he said. “For them to get their hands dirty and grasp the concept is nice knowing there’s more to it than what they see.”

Rice added that he was more than happy to share his experiences with the students, as high school students are starting to consider careers and a first-hand look can provide a spark towards a decision.

“It makes me feel good knowing that I have the opportunity to let kids know about this job because not many people do know about this job,” he said. “I didn’t know about this growing up, I had no one to show what I really wanted to do…it’s just something to broaden their idea what they could do after high school or college.”