Goose Prairie at Caddo Lake
Student-teacher groups involved in Collins Academy’s flagship environmental education program, the Paddlefish Project, will begin using a new pavilion at Caddo Lake Natural Wildlife Refuge for their monthly field trips. The 20 ft. by 40 ft. structure is located on a point at Goose Prairie, the birdiest place for waterfowl on Caddo Lake.
Students will be taking to canoes from this location to gather water quality data with handheld electronic probes. They will also be doing some serious birding right where exotic transients of the feathered type love to hang out. Expert birders will be available to assist with identifications and other questions.
Presentations will begin at 9:00 a.m. with FUN WITH SCIENCE, a presentation designed for adults to demonstrate the engaging activities that bring science to life for many students. Cheryl Potemkin, owner and designer of Pollen Path Design, is on the board of directors of the Informal Science Education Association of Texas. She designs and presents teacher workshops to promote active learning in science classrooms throughout Texas. Join Ms. Potemkin as you become an active participant in hands on science activities and watch out, you might just find you’re having FUN! 
At 10:00, Daryl Sprout will present SNAKE ENCOUNTERS. Mr. Sprout established his program in 1993 with the purpose of providing education on the subject of snakes in a humorous and entertaining way – in order to dispel myths, help audience members overcome the phobia, and to help guide the rapidly growing hobby of informed and responsible herpetoculture. Daryl is fortunate to have a great collection of beautiful, patient animals who meet his strict criteria of docility, gentleness and distinctiveness – ensuring a program filled with wonder at nature’s beauty and adaptability. Unlike many other animal-oriented nature presentations, Daryl encourages a hands-on approach to the topics covered. Many of the animals seen can be touched and interacted with at the end of the show. With the timing of a stand-up comic, the stage presence of a seasoned actor, and accomplished magician, Daryl does exciting, funny, fast-paced shows that are known for their high production values. The show IS educational, but the crowd is usually having too much fun to notice.
At 11:00 there will be no better way to understand birds of prey in Texas than to meet them in person. Erich Newport will provide you with this amazing opportunity. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center’s birds of prey have been introducing children of all ages to the world of raptors. The hawks, owls and falcons are well trained and will show you what makes them an important part of our environment.
All schools will be provided with the FUN WITH SCIENCE, SNAKE ENCOUNTERS and a presentation by Lucas Miller the “Singing Zoologist” who is composing a Paddlefish Song for the students. With a head full of science, a heart full of music and a car full of truly goofy props, Lucas has earned the adoration of wiggly preschoolers, surly sixth graders and stoic principals alike. He has reached millions with his hilarious–yet scientifically accurate–songs and stories in his 20+ years as an independent presenter and artist.