The Tyrone Area High School Ag Ed Program embarked on an exhilarating outdoor adventure to enhance environmental education and identification skills on November 25, 2024.
The first Bioblitz event in Blair County featured hands-on learning activities where students identified a variety of trees, plants, insects, and other wildlife, guided by experts from Blair County Conservation District, Trout Unlimited, and Master Gardeners.
“I am thrilled to report the successful hosting of the inaugural Bioblitz in Blair County. Facilitating connections between students and industry experts serves as an invaluable approach to fostering community engagement and enhancing educational experiences,” Tiffany Hoy, Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor said.
Utilizing the iNaturalist app, students photographed diverse creatures and uploaded their observations, contributing to a wider scientific community.
By sharing their photos and observations on the app, students play a vital role in creating a global record of species, which can be utilized for research and conservation initiatives.
The students also discovered various macro and microorganisms in the area, including crayfish, penny beetles, and mayflies, which sparked engaging discussions about these organisms.
Senior Nora Hoy, who plans to pursue a career in Habitat Restoration and Rehabilitation, expressed her enthusiasm for the event.
“This event was a great way for me to explore the field in which I plan on going into to make sure it is the right field for me,” Nora Hoy said.
Following their exploration, students delved deeper into the world of macro and microorganisms, learning about their life cycles through detailed images.
A botany lesson further enhanced their understanding of plant biology by helping them distinguish between flowers and trees, highlighting the diversity of the natural world.
“I think this event can expand on agricultural and environmental knowledge in a short period of time,” freshman Emanuel Luebbert said.
“The enthusiastic response from participants has catalyzed plans for a spring Bioblitz in April, alongside additional activities tailored for various educational levels, with Agriculture Education students taking a lead role in facilitating these initiatives,” Tiffany Hoy said.
According to Hoy, expanding learning beyond the traditional classroom setting is essential for empowering young people to comprehend their environmental impact and responsibilities.
This hands-on experience was designed to deepen student’s understanding of ecological issues and encourage participation in environmental stewardship within their communities.
