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Weaver Lake Elementary entered into an agreement with Three Rivers Park District to develop a natural site adjacent to the school. The nature area includes walking paths and an outdoor classroom. Fundraising efforts have provided services of a part time

naturalist. Environmental education has become an important component of the school curriculum. Each year students also collect coins to benefit a wildlife related organization. Students have sponsored the release of an owl, hawk, and an eagle at Weaver Lake . (See photos below.)

Increasing our students' interaction with nature is exciting. We welcome our friends and neighbors to enjoy the Weaver Lake Nature Area.

Kindergarten
Fall - Hike in Nature Area to introduce students to Naturalist and Nature Area
Winter - Gall study in classroom
Spring - Puppet Show about what animals are doing in the Nature Area in spring.

1st Grade
Fall - Amazing Animal Senses Hike in Nature Area
Winter - Animals Getting Ready for Winter Snowshoe Hike
Spring - Rot N Recycling: worm study and nature's recyclers

2nd Grade
Fall - Insect Study and Collection in Nature Area
Winter - Animal Tracking Snowshoe Hike
Spring - Animal Classification and Hike

3rd Grade
Fall - Animal Communication
Winter - Deer Adaptations Snowshoe Hike
Spring - Compass Course

4th Grade
Fall - Wild Edible Class
Winter - Water Study Snowshoe Hike
Spring - Pond Study

5th Grade
Fall - Forestry Stations
Winter - Orienteering Snowshoe Hike
Spring - Native Trees and Tree Planting in Nature Area

6th Grade
Fall - Soil Science
Winter - Wildlife Management Snowshoe Hike
Spring - Mississippi River Study at Coon Rapids Dam

Bald Eagle Released
June 3, 1999

Our adopted bald eagle, "Baldy," was released into our nature center by Mr. Wallace.  Baldy was found in the Rochester area with a broken wing after being hit by an automobile.  Baldy was rehabilited at the University of Minnesota Raptor Center.

Red-Tailed Hawk Released
May 11, 2001

Colleen Hazen had the privilege of releasing a red-tailed hawk at our school.  The Hawk had been found near Montrose, Minnesota.  It was starving and had a broken leg.  The Raptor Center rehabilitated the bird.  Since this immature hawk does not yet have its red tail, it is estimated to be about 1 year old.  Upon release, the hawk sailed into the Weaver Lake Nature Center, perhaps to take up residence.

Barred Owl Released
May 3, 2000

Judy Rathje released a Barred Owl that had been rehabitilated at the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Studets at Weaver Lake Elementary collected money to adopt the bird. The owl had been hit by a car near Bemidje, Minnesota - suffering severe hip trauma and feather damage. The hip was repaired, and using Krazy Glue, feathers were implated.