| Concerned
about the detrimental effects of zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil
on recreation and aquatic life in Idaho lakes and rivers, Fort Boise
Mid High School students from Susan Pliler's 10th grade English
class put their creative skills to work to inspire others to stop
the spread of these harmful species.
DEQ partnered
with Fort Boise Mid High School, the Idaho Commission on the Arts,
Fish America, Top Line Manufacturing, and the Boise Parks and Recreation
Department to develop a high-impact, entertaining, and educational
presentation on the potential threat of zebra mussels and prevention
of Eurasian watermilfoil.
The project
began with instruction in mask-making and body puppet techniques
from Richard Johnson, Idaho Commission on the Arts, Arts in Education
Artist. Then the students wrote a series of interactive skits in
which members of the audience play some of the characters, and made
large, colorful props using recyclable materials. Among the creative
outcomes of the project were "Weevil Kneivel," evil milfoil minions,
Jackie Clam, and a Milfoil prevention rap (below).
The students
first performed their skits during Water Awareness Week 2002, while
DEQ staff used the skits at the Cascade Water Festival. Idaho State
Parks and Recreation staff plan to use the props at Cascade Reservoir
this summer to encourage people to follow the five simple steps
of milfoil prevention: rinse, remove, dispose, drain and dry. The
skits will be presented to hundreds of Idahoans at water and conservation
festivals in coming years.
Milfoil Rap
by Steve Nuno
Water
Milfoil ain't got no groove
So we got to get together
and get it removed
Maybe in some real big jars
because if we don't
this world won't be ours.
So get ride of all those animals and plants
and drain your boat
like ants in your pants
And make sure you dispose of all those creatures
'cause I'm tellin' you
They're really worse than leeches
They may not suck, bruise, or make you bleed
But they'll destroy any fun
you'll ever need
When you're swimming, skiing, or havin' fun
It'll creep on you
And make you run
So if you understand what we're talkin' about
Let me see you stand up
And let us hear you shout.
Repeat
4X
Rinse,
Remove, Dispose, Drain, and Dry
And do it within the blink of an eye |
