*A smiling student holds a grass seedhead while on a field trip to Basco Sugar River Wildlife Unit. Madison Audubon photo*

Getting outside is a wonderful respite these days. Another is revisiting the happiest memories of being outdoors. Madison Audubon has stocked my storehouse of such experiences. Last year brought the surge of monarchs and tagging at Goose Pond, the feeling of accomplishment with burns on our prairies and tree planting near Ostego Marsh. But the best memories of the last two years concern Lincoln Elementary, a wonderful Madison public school, fabulous fourth graders, Josie Guiney, their equally fabulous teacher, and Carolyn Byers, Madison Audubon’s Education Director. Yes indeed, Carolyn is fabulous too.

For each of the last two years, Carolyn has worked with the DNR, Dane County Land and Water Resources Department, the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and Lincoln Elementary to provide a field trip for Josie's fourth grade class on the Sugar River. The site is the County's Basco Sugar River Wildlife Unit #1, on STH 69, just south of Paoli and across the road from Basco.

Carolyn and Josie plan wonderful activities for the kids. Both days started with Dan Oele, DNR Fish Biologist for Dane, Green, and Rock Counties, and his crew electro-shocking and surveying fish in the Sugar (the shocking temporarily stuns the fish so they can be netted, measured, and safely released). When the fish begin boiling to the surface, the kids go wild — the adults are pretty excited too. They love all the fish. Lots of oohs and aahs for the beautiful brown trout and tiny, colorful darters but maybe even more delight at the one or two really big carp who show up.

*Electroshocking and discussing fish ecology! Madison Audubon photo*

Dan and crew answer questions and explain some of the basic biology and ecology of fish. My favorite question was the first directed to Dan: "Do you get paid for this?" The exchange helps make the point that science can be fun and the basis of a good job. Because this part of the river was subject to a massive restoration project, Dan also explains the sort of habitat different fish need.

This County land is the site of prairie and oak savanna restorations, providing more educational and fun opportunities. Last year the Dane County arborists demonstrated the climbing gear they use and then offered to take each and everyone of the 40 odd students 45 feet straight up into a magnificent oak tree (safely strapped in, of course). Initial responses ranged from excitement (take me! take me!) to terror (no way!). But the crew were patient and careful and every single kid ended up in the tree to the delight of all. Even more delight when Josie and Carolyn ended the session hoisting themselves into the tree.

Josie has her fourth graders outside all year long; she always combines education, fun, and service. The kids have worked hard to improve this land. Along the river they have planted native trees and shrubs and to help the prairie restoration sowed 150 pounds of native grass seed. In the savanna they planted 5 large bur oaks and sowed spring ephemerals.

The kids are energetic, well behaved, and a joy to be around. And observant! As they walked through the prairie sowing seed, one little girl found a grasshopper sparrow nest and a boy found the tiniest monarch caterpillar I've ever seen. Any wet spots were thoroughly inspected for tadpoles, a real favorite.

This land is open to the public for just about any form of outdoor recreation. While fishing is a big draw, lots of folks just love to walk the property. A couple of picnic tables overlook the river from the edge of the savanna, and a beautiful apple and pear orchard will bloom soon.

And the connection to advocacy?

First, a reminder of our own excellent education program and the need to support it and environmental, conservation education in our schools. While the organizations, led by Madison Audubon, do everything possible to make this field trip as affordable as possible including providing funding for busses, the school needs to provide staff and administrative approval to make this happen.

Secondly and more broadly, see this as a plug for our public schools. Lincoln Elementary serves hundreds of students each year, many of which experience poverty and/or behavioral or learning challenges. This school is not the only one in Madison, or in Wisconsin, or anywhere. But the teachers and their assistants were attentive, responsive, and effective. I have left both days very grateful for the education Lincoln provides our young neighbors.

One of the saddest COVID-19 effects for me is that we probably won't have the field trip this spring. I'm sorry that the kids will miss it but just as sorry for myself. With Carolyn's and lots of other folks' help, we'll be back next year (maybe even the fall is we get the chance!).

*Topf and Carolyn happy after a great field trip! Madison Audubon photo*

Topf Wells, Madison Audubon board member and advocacy committee chair