BLM and Colorado Canyons Association help kids scavenge for knowledge
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Colorado Canyons Association and Bureau of Land Management are scheduled to hold an educational scavenger hunt at McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area beginning Monday.
The scavenger hunt is designed to help local District 51 school children appreciate and respect their fragile natural environment and cultural heritage. Kids will navigate seven educational stations where they will learn about plants, animal species, cultural history and sensitive environmental features such as crypto biotic soils. After learning a little more about the environment, they receive a scavenger card when they locate a specific item.
According to Collin Ewing, NCA manager, this type of education often represents the children’s first trip into the NCA. “This event has been a huge success over the years due to BLM's partnership with Colorado Canyons Association and School District 51. It is really great to see kids from our community learning about the amazing resources of America's public lands."
“Over the past 6 years, this nature scavenger hunt program has taken thousands of students outside for a unique educational experience,” said Bryanna Kuhlman NCA stewardship coordinator for the Colorado Canyons Association. “This event would not be successful without the many community volunteers and partnerships that come together. It is great to see the community come together to help teach our future land stewards an appreciation for our public lands.
Hikers and horseback riders should expect to see a lot of children when visiting the Devil’s Canyon Area next week.
McInnis Canyons NCA was designated by congress in 2001 with broad local community support and encompasses more than 123,000 acres of BLM managed public lands on the western slope of Colorado. It is one of 16 NCAs in the west and part of BLM's National Landscape Conservation System, a unique network of special places that serve as showcases for the education, conservation, protection, and restoration efforts of BLM's multiple use mission.
Colorado Canyons Association fosters community stewardship of National Conservation Lands with a focus on Dominguez-Escalante, Gunnison Gorge and McInnis Canyons National Conservation Areas in western Colorado. It is a non-partisan, non-profit organization encouraging cooperation among all NCA users and interests.
For more information, contact Christopher Joyner BLM Public Affairs Specialist at 970 210-2126.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.