DVIDS – News – The Idaho National Guards Idaho Adopt a Scientist programme combines youth education with environmental stewardship

Heritage Middle School students in seventh grade participated in science field trips to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, which was held at the Idaho National Guards Orchard Combat Training Center on April 28-29.

The Idaho National Guard partnered up with Idaho State University, University of Idaho and the Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission to bring science education to Treasure Valley students through their Adopt a Scientist program.

The Idaho Adopt a Scientist Program aims to provide a platform for middle and high school students to participate in local research that promotes conservation and management of Idaho wildlife habitats and species. Zoe Duran is a biologist with the Idaho Army National Guard Environmental Management Office.

The program provides a better understanding of the Idaho National Guard’s environmental stewardship, and increases connectivity between students in Idaho and researchers with field trips throughout every year at the OCTC.

Students tested and researched the soil at the OCTC. They learned about biochemistry and fire dynamics as well as how to restore sagebrush. Students studied herbivores and the local vegetation that they eat to stay healthy. Students learned about prey such as black-tailed and hawkrabbits, and the raptors above that eat them. This completes the circle education. The lessons were taught by BSU faculty and graduate students, University of Idaho instructors and Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission staff.

Students used technology to track and survey raptors using unmanned aircraft vehicles and global positioning system tracking that was taught by Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers.

Duran said that it is important for students to learn about species like the black-tailed Jackrabbit and how it interacts with the landscape. They are a valuable prey species for golden Eagles. BLM brought a Swainsons Hawk and a prairie falcon.

The NCA is home of the largest and most diverse breeding raptors in North America. It is also the only place where livestock, extensive research, military training, and public land use all share the same land. Since 1987, biologists from the Idaho Army National Guard EMO helped to manage military training and conduct research that helps to protect the environment.

Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak (adjutant general of Idaho) said that the Idaho National Guard is committed to protecting and improving the environment. We have a military to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens. To enjoy the freedom to live in this beautiful state, country, and environment. We don’t just train to take care of the environment, but also to help protect it.

Idaho’s OCTC, a leading joint combined arms training facility, is a valuable resource that provides invaluable training for Soldiers from all walks of the military. The OCTC allows units with a combined live-fire and close-air support training to be conducted in one centralized location. It boasts 143,000 acres, world-class ranges, and a four-season climate. The Idaho Army National Guard EMO is closely associated with the BLM to promote good environmental stewardship as well as sustainable military training.