When studying science, there are lots of opportunities for us to learn from our own backyard.

This spring, the Earth Sciences class from David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) teamed up with the Lake Windermere Ambassadors to study science on the shores of Lake Windermere Ambassadors.

“The purpose of the unit was to teach the students about the lake, its ecosystem, and a little bit about this region’s geology.  This added a whole new layer to what they’re learning about in the classroom,” said DTSS teacher Heather Brown.

The unit culminated with a field study on the shoreline of Lake Windermere.

On June 5, 22 students teamed up in twos and dispersed along the shoreline between Windermere Cemetery and Tretheway Beach. Each student pair was met by a landowner and a Lake Windermere Ambassadors volunteer.

Cam Berry, a homeowner in the Hidden Bay area for over 30 years, met with the students and shared his observations, thus adding value to what they saw during the field trip. “There are currently breeding Mergansers and Western Grebes in front of our property – and I spotted a muskrat yesterday” noted Mr. Berry.

Kirsten Harma, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors’ Program Coordinator and the project’s organizer said: “This project fits under our mandate to educate people about the content of the Lake Windermere Management Plan.  The places the students visited are the high fish and wildlife value portions of shoreline that are subject to the Regional District of East Kootenay’s new Development Permit regulations.  Part of the goal of this project is to increase the learning about why these areas are so valuable – among the students and the landowners and the volunteers.”

Volunteer John Pitcher said of the event: “I think it was great to see DTSS and the Lake Windermere Ambassadors working together to help the students appreciate their lake and help them understand why it’s important to keep the lake healthy– since one day the future of the lake will be in their hands.”

Following completion of their written reports, a few of the students will present their findings at a Community Association AGM.

About the Lake Windermere Ambassadors

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are a Society representing a cross-section of community stakeholders, including local businesses, governments, seasonal and year-round homeowners, youth and non-government organizations, who share the vision of a healthy Lake Windermere with balanced management that supports recreational and traditional uses, fish and wildlife values, and economic prosperity in the region. Funding to support the student shoreline project has been provided by TD Friends of the Environment and the Regional District of East Kootenay.

Lead photo: DTSS students Siobhan Hall, Grace Webber and Mitchell Beggs (L to R) take notes on the shoreline vegetation.

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