Ryan Mathis, a BLM river ranger in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, gathers aquatic specimens for Delta Middle School students to study.

The Bureau of Land Management is helping rectify that situation by adopting the "Take It Outside" program. The program strives to improve the health of our nation's children, families, and communities, while at the same time developing the next generation of public land stewards.

For sixth graders at Delta Middle School, that meant a field trip to the Gunnison Gorge National Resource Area, where five stations focused on the resources of the Gunnison Gorge.

The main resource, of course, is the Gunnison River. "This river supplies water to the valley for the crops we grow," explained Edd Franz, an outdoor recreation planner for the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.

TROUT UNLIMITED VOLUNTEER Keith Monroe shares fly-tying techniques with Rayna Whetstone, Catherine Wells and Alexis Williams.

"Cool - the boatmen have paddles at the end of their legs!" one student discovered.

Another group traipsed alongside the river through a stand of cottonwood plantings, measuring the survival rate of the young saplings.

The fourth group drew sketches of their surroundings while an eagle soared on the thermals alongside the cliffs lining the river.

Students tied flies at the fifth station with guidance from volunteers with the local Trout Unlimited chapter. The kids also learned the seven principles of "Leave No Trace" that will help protect the resources of the Gunnison Gorge.

"This is a neat experience," said DMS science teacher Evan Cummings. "They're learning a lot."

Franz said the program will be repeated next spring with students from Montrose County.

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