Day 1 in Louisiana - Exploring the Wetlands..gators, river otters, and fish oh my!

Venturing out into nature!

Teachers use a simple wetland in a pan activity to learn how wetlands act as buffer and protect us from such things as erosion and hurricanes.

Cole Ruckstuhl from Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) boarded the M/V Fling to talk about LA issues including the restoration efforts to save the wetlands.

Ruben (Left) and Carlos (right) get ready for their first kayak trip in the Intracoastal.  Ruben and Carlos join us from the Veracruz Aquarium in Mexico.  We hope they enjoy their time in the states.

After an "exciting" night in the Gulf of Mexico, teachers of the 2012 IWWE Class were extremely happy to enter the calmer waters of the Calcasieu River in Louisiana.  Throughout the day teachers were able to learn about some of the issues facing the ecology and economy of the Gulf and most importantly..how to balance the two.  Special guest from LA gave talks on LA's struggle to keep their wetlands and what is being done to try and save them.  Throughout the day, participants conducted activities on board and took some field excursion via kayaks.  Although an exhausitng day, much was learned.  We all need a good night's rest as tomorrow will bring even bigger adventures!