WAHOO, Nebraska -- The rain held off long enough for area 5th and 6th grade students to attend all eight outdoor sessions of the Spring Conservation Sensation at Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area on Wednesday, May 5.

The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District postponed last year’s event when most schools switched to virtual learning. The annual event, held on the first Wednesday in May, gives students a chance to explore natural resources through hands-on environmental education activities.

A total of 217 students from Logan View Elementary, St. Mary’s Elementary (David City), and Wahoo Public Elementary attended the event. The Lower Platte North NRD staff provided sessions with topics focusing on water, forestry and wildlife. Guest presenters included staff from Nebraska Extension, Newman Grove High School and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Students participated in sessions that included microorganism collection and exploration; turbidity and water quality of Lake Wanahoo; conservation strategies; investigating wildlife behaviors; observing common Nebraska amphibians, reptiles, and wildlife; practicing casting for fishing; experiencing tree planting with a tractor-driven tree planter; and drone exploration. The day concluded with a presentation by Wildlife Encounters where students were introduced to an armadillo, parrot, eight-month-old joey and alligator, to name a few.

The Lower Platte North NRD holds the annual Spring Conservation Sensation on the first Wednesday in May for students within the district. Registration for the 2022 event will begin in early spring next year. For more information, please visit lpnnrd.org or contact the Lower Platte North NRD at 402-443-4675.