Involving the Youth
Wind River Alliance had a busy summer in 2003. One of our most successful events involved students from the balanced calendar program at Wyoming Indian Elementary School (WIES) in a riparian willow planting project. On the 15th of August, Cindy Hilts’ 4th and 5th grade class, Wind River Alliance staff and volunteers, and community members gathered along Ray Canal to gather willow cuttings.
Students learned about the important function of willows and other riparian vegetation in stabilizing stream banks, controlling floods, trapping sediment, and providing habitat for wildlife. Students also learned about the traditional medicinal uses of willow plants (a natural painkiller, fever-reducer, anti-inflammatory, and blood thinner) and their ability to regrow readily from cuttings. The students took hundreds of willow cuttings and left them to soak in water over the weekend.
The next Monday, 3rd through 6th graders from WIES, their teachers (Cindy Hilts, Janell Thunder, Sherry Thompson, and CeCe Steib), community members, and WRA staff and volunteers gathered at the Double Dives region of the Little Wind River to plant the willow cuttings. Burton Hutchinson and Ivan Posey were present to offer a prayer to bless the project.
Everyone had a great time planting willows, getting muddy, and learning by experience the role of riparian vegetation in stream and river ecosystems. The event culminated in an excellent feast of fry bread (prepared by Alvina Smith) and stew (prepared by Cheryl Williams) for all participants and their families. Many thanks go out to all those who helped make this event possible.