The fourth annual Enviro-Camp, an outgrowth of the Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club, and sponsored by the Logan County Land Trust and Kirkmont Center was held Aug. 03 – Aug. 07 at Kirkmont Center.
On Monday, Ohio Department of Natural Resource Geologist Andy Nash shared Ohio bedrock and glacial history maps. As Ohio’s geologic history was explained, rock and fossil samples were shared to reinforce the concepts being introduced. Andy then led the campers through one of Kirkmont’s signature ravines and explained how geological forces at play over past millennia have resulted in the special topography found at Kirkmont.
On Tuesday, representatives from Logan County’s Soil and Water Conservation District Lyndon Roof and Allison Fowler taught the students about soil types and soil profiles in Logan County. Bob Stoll and Bruce Smith helped the campers to conduct water infiltration experiments designed to judge how vegetation can affect the ability of soil to absorb water.
Kat Brandenberg, an ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves naturalist, was our guest speaker on Wednesday. In addition to a number of pelts from Ohio mammals, she brought with her a permanently injured box turtle which now serves as an animal ambassador. Kat led the campers in some active games that revealed biological principles such as bioaccumulation and the importance of space as a component of habitat. The campers then took a hike through Kirkmont’s fen, a special habitat with many unusual plants, and along a steep ravine. After hiking, the campers, directed by Mrs. Stoll, prepared their own foil dinners, which were eagerly consumed by all. A natural object scavenger hunt followed with the winning team being given the honor of being first to make ‘smores for themselves and their parents who arrived to enjoy the end of the day with us.
Volunteers from the Mad River chapter of Trout Unlimited provided Thursday’s program. After some general fly casting instruction, half of the group headed to one of Kirkmont’s ponds to try their hand at fly fishing while the other group received fly tying instruction and with each camper producing a wooly bugger. The groups then switched so that all could have both experiences. Several bass and bluegill were caught and released bringing smiles to the faces of the young anglers.
As Friday approached, camp organizers became concerned. Our final day was to feature a canoe trip on the Mad River, and the weather did not look promising. The rain that was falling at the beginning of the day stopped, and the Enviro-Campers were able to enjoy a leisurely float through beautiful countryside punctuated by a stop for lunch where U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Donnie Knight helped the canoeists to understand the forces that have led to the Mad River becoming prime trout water and the factors that influence the health of freshwater stream ecosystems.
Along with the environmental focus sessions, the campers enjoyed swimming, cage ball, and archery along with other traditional camp fun. Twenty-three campers spent the week at Kirkmont Center, and a large majority of them plan to return next year. For more information about the Logan County Land Trust, The Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club, or the Enviro-Camp, please contact Bruce Smith or Bob Stoll. If you are interested in preserving the rural character of Logan County, please consider joining the Logan County Land Trust and volunteering to further our mission.