Snake River Birds of Prey NCA

Education

A unique combination of climate, geology, soils, and vegetation has created a complete and stable ecosystem where predators and prey occur in extraordinary numbers. The NCA constitutes a valuable national biological and educational resource. The BLM is mandated to manage this resource for the protection of raptor populations and habitats while providing for interpretive and educational opportunities.

Snake River Birds of Prey NCA

The NCA staff believes educating the public about the important role of raptors and how various activities can affect their habitat is the best way to protect raptors and their habitat.

Education Programs

Oral Presentations

BLM staff are available to share information about the natural and cultural resources of southwest Idaho. Presentations can be talks and/or hikes covering topics about birds of prey, vegetation, geology, archaeology, recreation, grazing, wildland fire, wildlife, and fisheries.

Presentations are provided for schools and universities, churches, nursing homes, summer camps, career fairs, community events, and other groups and organizations. Staff are willing to provide presentations for those in Boise and the surrounding area (within a 2 hour one-way drive). Appropriate for all age groups.

Classroom Visit with Raptors

BLM staff may bring one or more of our education raptors along during presentations. These birds will captivate any group with their beauty and strength. Contact our Education Specialist Barbara Forderhase to schedule a visit. (208) 384-3485 

Spring Hikes

Spring Hikes Series - These hikes are hosted by NCA staff and provides the public an opportunity to learn about and experience first-hand the natural and cultural values of the Snake River Birds of Prey NCA. The hikes are conducted on Saturday's from April through June. The hikes series explores the NCA's plants, animals (reptiles and birds), geology, cultural history, recreation, and outdoor skills/ethics. Developed for all age groups, although most hikes are suited for ages 9 and older. Younger children may get bored with all the details.

Environmental Education Days (EE Days)
Each spring the BLM hosts Environmental Education Days for area 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes at the Dedication Point Interpretive Site. The event is designed as a one-day, outdoor laboratory, to give teachers and students an opportunity to learn about and experience a desert ecosystem firsthand.
Participants take part in a walking tour and activities that explore habitat concepts at four stations:
  • Critter Man - a discussion of raptors and other wildlife found in a desert ecosystem (with live critters).
  • Desert Hunt - a scavenger hunt allowing students to observe details of a desert environment.
  • Canyon Overlook - a view of the nesting habitat along the Snake River from the canyon rim.
  • Quick Frozen Critters - a game of "freeze tag" that emphasizes the importance of habitat to desert animals of the area.

Participating - EE Days for 2005 will be held during the first weeks in May.. The presentations are free and open to any schools wishing to participate, but advance scheduling and trip preparation are required. Tour times are assigned on a first-to-call, first-scheduled basis. To find out more about EE Days contact the NCA Environmental Education Specialist Barb Forderhase at 384-3485. Developed for grades 4 through 6.

Lower Snake River Plain Ecosystem Discovery: An Educator's Guide

A mini-guide designed to provide educators with a tool that will assist in teaching about the Lower Snake River Plain ecosystem and environments. Developed primarily for grades 1 through 8, and can be easily modified for all grade levels.

Additional Brochures, Pamphlets, and other materials

NCA brochure (592K pdf)
Raptor Identification Guide (379K pdf)
Summary Sheets about the wildlife, and cultural resources of the NCA
Teacher's Field Trip Guide - (290K pdf) This is similar to the Driving Loop Tour
Historic Summary of the NCA's establishment
Raptor Facts - Basic information on birds of prey (107K pdf)
NCA Legislation (41K pdf)

To obtain hard copies of any of these materials, contact our NCA Education Specialist Barbara Forderhase at (208) 384-3485.

 

Four Rivers Field Office  |  3948 Development Avenue  |  Boise, ID 83705
208-384-3300  |  Fax: 208-384-3493  |  Office hours: 7:45am - 4:30pm, M-F