USACE Buffalo District Biologists Get Kids Excited About Wetland Ecology

Published April 29, 2016
U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District Biologists Heather Adams and Dave Leput engaged students at Buffalo’s Lydia T. Wright Middle School in wetland ecology during the school’s second annual Job Fair April 26.

U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District Biologists Heather Adams and Dave Leput engaged students at Buffalo’s Lydia T. Wright Middle School in wetland ecology during the school’s second annual Job Fair April 26.

U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District Biologists Heather Adams and Dave Leput engaged students at Buffalo’s Lydia T. Wright Middle School in wetland ecology during the school’s second annual Job Fair April 26.

Equipped only with enthusiasm and handcrafted posters depicting wetlands, wetland flora, and wetland fauna, Buffalo District Regulatory Branch Biologists piqued the students' interest in all aspects of wetland ecology.

Representing the Corps of Engineers at the job fair, Adams and Leput rotated from classroom to classroom presenting the basics of working as a biologist in the Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program. After this brief discussion, the floor was opened up to the students to ask questions.

It was at this point when the students revealed a hidden wealth of interest and curiosity in animals, plants, insects, and basic ecology. This trend was repeated from classroom to classroom. This sparked discussions of how wetlands clean our drinking water and provide valuable habitat for many important species.

“Some students asked some surprisingly astute questions regarding the consequences of developing and building in wetland areas,” said Adams. “I’m glad we were able to illuminate an important aspect of protecting wetlands.”

 It was clear that Adams and Leput had planted the seeds of ecological conservation in the minds of these students.

“I always enjoy finding creative ways to engage students in ecology and biology,” said Leput. “The reward is seeing that I’ve connected with the kids.”

The Buffalo District is committed to teaming with others to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) related programs that inspire current and future generations of young people to pursue careers in those fields. The Corps of Engineers recognizes the critical role that STEM education plays in enabling the U.S. to remain the economic and technological leaders of the global marketplace.