<\/p>\n
Smokey Bear reminded Kiva elementary students that \u201cOnly you can prevent wildfires.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rebecca Samulski, of Firewise, drove the point home during a recent tour with students at the Carpenter Natural Area. But Smokey\u2019s message has also evolved to include the benefits of wildfire as a natural process.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re here to learn about the difference between bad wildfires that threaten houses, and the ones that are beneficial for the environment,\u201d she told the kids after they swarmed Smokey with bear hugs and high-fives.<\/p>\n
Forty students learned about fire components, fire behavior, fire prevention, wildlife adaptation to fire, campfire safety, natural wildfires and prescribed burns.<\/p>\n
The Weber fire is an example of the importance of early education. The destructive fire was started by a juvenile who was not aware of the consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re making sure they understand fuels, recognize the danger of an unattended campfire or the problem of high grasses leading up to the deck of a home,\u201d Samulski said.<\/p>\n
Outdoor education is part of the Kiva format. Students walked to Carpenter Natural Area park from their campus in downtown Cortez.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is part of our program of how humans affect the environment,\u201d said Kiva teacher Lindsay Wilwol. \u201cSmokey the Bear was a surprise for the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
Half of all wildfires are started by lightning, Samulski said. What are some of the other reasons?<\/p>\n
\u201cBombs, wind, moss, welding, bushes, matches, cigarettes and gas\u201d were some answers.<\/p>\n
Some students recognize the differences between wildfire pictures showing destructive crown fires, and low-intensity prescribed burns used to reduce ladder fuels.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe smaller one is lit on purpose to prevent larger fires,\u201d says student Gus Close.<\/p>\n
\u201cBad fires cause landslides afterwards,\u201d said another student.<\/p>\n
Wearing backpacks and clutching snacks, the students walked the trail under sunny skies to the next wildfire learning station.<\/p>\n
\u201cI liked Smokey because he\u2019s soft,\u201d said second-grader Afton Unrein. \u201cToday is nice because there is lots of nature, and I love nature.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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