SLV Wetlands

Introduction

About:

Students will investigate real data on local hydrology, wetlands and their ecological benefits, and analyze patterns between drought and landscape changes. All external links and supplemental documents are included in the worksheet.

Part 1: Introduction: 10 minutes

Watch the introduction video as a class and formulate questions

Part 2: Jigsaw stations: 15-20 minutes per station

Divided into groups, students analyze wetland data

Part 3: Letter writing or presentations: 30 minutes

Students communicate what they've learned through writing or oral presentation

Standard: SC.HS.3.4, SC.HS.2.6

Activity Worksheet

Student Worksheet

Answers to Student Worksheet

Presentation slides for Part 3

Activities are based on information from the following sources: (links found in student worksheet)

San Luis Valley Wetlands and Wildlife Assessment by Wetland Dynamics LLC

Grain for Cranes Story Map by Colorado Open Lands

Colorado Wetland Information Center

Hydrologic data from NOA and CO DWR

Additional Resources

Videos

Questions

What Makes A Wetland A Wetland

(3:44)

1. What three components make up a wetland?

2. What are 3 benefits of wetlands mentioned in the video?

Blanca Wetlands Prescribed Fire

(3:17)

1. What is the purpose of the prescribed burn?

2. What is one human benefit of the project?

Cranes, Agriculture, and the Fight for Water in the San Luis Valley

(9:02)

1. Describe the connection between agriculture and crane migration.

2. What would be the consequences if the drought continues and water export proposals succeed?

Resource Pages

Colorado Natural Heritage Program :

Colorado Wetland Field guides and Apps

USFWS : SLV refuge complex