Migration Celebration is in full swing this week! Over 4,000 Macon County 6th-grade students have participated in this program over the last 13 years. Students spent the whole day learning from scientists and researchers about migrating birds and monarch butterflies.
Students participated in citizen science through Monarch Watch. They learned how local people and the Cherokee would prepare for winter and how they utilized natural resources to make functional and beautiful baskets and other vessels. Finally, they experienced our beautiful home through the stories and expertise of local master naturalists!
Thank you to the Highlands Biological Foundation and the National Environmental Education Foundation (US Forest Service STEM Grant) for providing the funding to make this possible again this year and to Mainspring Conservation Trust who prepare and provide access to Tessentee Bottomland Preserve for our students!
Thank you to our 2023 presenters -
Highlands Biological Station: Jason Love and Patrick Brannon (https://highlandsbiological.org), Mainspring Conservation Trust (https://www.mainspringconserves.org),
Bigelow's Botanical Excursions (https://bigelowbotanicalexcursions.com),
Blue Ridge Bird Observatory (https://bigbaldbanding.org) and
Mary Thompson with Qualla Arts & Crafts (https://www.authenticallychero... & https://quallaartsandcrafts.org)
Experiential and Outdoor Education M.S. student Kayler DeBrew from WCU
Thank you also to all the Macon County teachers who enthusiastically participate in this program each year and to their young scientists & naturalists!