Thirteen Camp Chillisquaque students learn about vulnerable species, including the flying squirrel, and importance of advocacy at July 13 day camp

Thirteen students ages 7-12 participated in the July 13 Camp Chillisquaque day camp program at the Montour Preserve. 

Participants got to learn about endangered and threatened species and how to advocate for those that are more vulnerable and lack a voice. They also got to assess the Chillisquaque Creek using tools from MWEE kits connected to the DegenSTEAM initiative across the region. 

Students also got to enjoy a special presentation from Kevin Witt on the Northern Flying Squirrel. The program included an overview on their declining numbers and some of the reasons behind that, especially habitat loss of hemlock trees due to deforestation and the invasive hemlock wooly adelgid. 

They got to look up close at the adelgid, study the species and its needs and even play a game where they tried to fly paper airplanes as far as a flying squirrel can glide. 

Students worked in the afternoon on advocacy projects, including posters, songs and a movie/video. Some of the songs included:

Photos from the day's experiences included: