Pat & Sharon O'Toole

Teachers: horseback and afoot
Home Ranch
photo by Pat O'Toole

In June, we helped host a course for Ag in the Classroom teachers. It was coordinated by our local Natural Resource Conservation District staff, and allowed teachers to take a for credit, continuing education course teaching them about agriculture and natural resources. These teachers then can incorporate these lessons into their daily teaching curriculum.
In our part of the program, Pat led teachers on a horseback ride to our stream, Battle Creek. Mark Hogan, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, showed them our cooperative project in which we built rock structures in the creek. These structures enhance our trout habitat and help with our irrigation systems. Other experts showed them how to sample water quality and examine the insect life which supports the fish.
After a barbeque at our ranch headquarters, the half the teachers (they switched) moved on to the Loco Creek area. Andy Warren from the Bureau of Land Management explained the improvement projects, involving burning, grazing rest/rotation and other management which has restored the creek from a treeless watercourse to a vibrant willow-filled restored stream. Jay Sheehan discussed invasive plants and weed control, and Meghan and I talked about our part in the grazing system on Loco Creek, where we lamb. Another rancher in our community hosted dinner.
The teachers were enthusiastic, and we were delighted to do our part to bring agriculture into the classroom.

Fording Battle Creek
Home Ranch
photo by Jack Perry

At the barbeque: teachers chat with Dennis Sun, Wyoming Livestock Roundup publisher; Sharon & Seamus
Home Ranch
photo by Pat O'Toole

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