Wickwire students help out researchers

About 70 students took part in W.A.T.E.R. or ‘Where are the eels research’, learning about the American Eel which spawns in the park. They also learned about how the aboriginals used the eels when they inhabited the area.

Students learned how to take pH levels of water, read a compass, and read water and air temperatures, which will then be looked at by the park science centre. Donna Morris and Kathy LeBlanc, Cultural Interpreters for the Park, were their guides. In total, the classes submitted over 500 pages of research.

They had a lot of fun as well. “My favourite part was getting to learn about the eels, and helping to save them,” says Lori Anthony.

The field trip also tied into Mi’kmaw history month, which was in Oct. “After we did the testing, we went to this place where they had cooking pots and where they put the eels that the natives used,” says Kieran Clattenburg.

For their efforts, the students got certificates of appreciation from Parks Canada.

The program was part of Kejimkujik’s outreach program, which works with communities and schools in the area of the park. Currently the species-at-risk group is looking into the eels, since no accurate information on their status exists. According to them, the population seems to be less than it was 25 to 50 years ago, but they are unsure how significant it is.

By working with the centre, the students help them out while learning about biodiversity and history. “We tried to keep it in what’s called two-eyed seeing,” says Morris. “You’re looking at it scientifically, but you’re also looking at it the traditional Mi’kmaq way and how they used eels.”

It also was a great way to engage the kids, says LeBlanc. “The kids are excited about it. A lot of them had no idea how large they could get.”

According to researchers, the female eel can grow up to five feet.

LeBlanc adds the research offered students an opportunity to find out what goes on at the scientific level at the park. “It will give the students an idea of what researchers do.”