Sanders County fifth and sixth-grade students took part in the 17th annual Water Festival recently. The festival is sponsored by Eastern Sanders and Green Mountain Conservation Districts. Outside of the Conservation Districts, many supporters come forward to collaborate in providing fun educational opportunities for students to gain knowledge about water and the important role it plays in our lives.

Doug Padden, Thompson Falls Junior High science teacher, has played a critical role in the continuance of the event. He not only provides presentation support, he also arranges to bring high school students who help chaperone younger students for the day.

Shana Neesvig

CLOSER LOOK - Michael Koskela (left) examines a water sample to determine watershed health by the presence of bugs.

At Thompson Falls State Park, there were six stations students circulated. The Fisheries station was attended by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park employees Harvey Carlsmith and Marc Terrazas, the Tracks station was lead by U.S. Forest Service's Jesse Elgren and Megan Thrash, the Native Use of Rivers was attended by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Stephanie Gillin, a Wetlands station was held by Charlotte Milling, a graduate of Ohio State University, the Habitat Hula was lead by Brita Olsen of Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group and Clark Fork Coalition's Lily Haines educated students at the Unwanted Invaders station.

In addition to these supporters, Blackfoot Communication, Avista Utilities, Crowder Design, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resource Conservation Service provided sponsorship.