For 16 years, fifth and sixth grade students in Sanders County have participated in the annual Water Festival. The event is geared toward providing kids an outdoor learning experience while gaining knowledge in aquatics.

The event will take place October 2 at Thompson Falls State Park. Students from Noxon, Plains, Thompson Falls, Trout Creek, Dixon and Hot Springs will rotate through the park while visiting stations including: Fisheries, hosted by Marc Terrazas and Harvey Carlsmith of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP); Tracks, taught by Jesse Elgren, U.S. Forest Service (USFS); Rolling River, Bob Flescher, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC); Wetlands, Travis Lemke and Troy Hidy, Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS); and Unwanted Invaders, Lily Haines of Clark for Coalition.

According to Green Mountain Conservation District’s (GMCD) Leona Gollen, “Doug Padden (Thompson Falls science teacher) is a huge support for our Water Festival as well as the high school students he brings to assist with presenting and chaperoning the groups.”

In addition to Padden, GMCD, FWP, DNRC, USFS, and NRCS, many sponsors come forward to make the event possible each year.

Eastern Sanders Conservation District, Avista Utilities, Blackfoot Communications, Crowder Design, Simple Simon’s Pizza, Friends of Scotchman Peaks, The Ohio State University and First Security Bank of Thomson Falls all help support the educational experience.