Page 51 - 2005 DT 12 Issues

catch insects on the fly and track prey by Laurie Howard and Trudy Law- Bridger staffer Gustavo Gamboa
sight but only during the day. However, rence from the National Wild Horse filmed the entire event. Following the
the pygmy swiftlet—the Collocalia Association (NWHA) greeted students return to the school, the event was re-
troglodytes in a different genus—can at the picnic tables and discussed both played for two weeks on the Bridger
navigate in total darkness using clicks. the history of wild horses and how to School Morning News program for
Although research suggests that both become a responsible wild horse owner. 1,300 kids to enjoy.
swiftlets shared a common ancestor The presentation sparked a great deal of Tyrel Cooper, Science Teacher
about 2 or 3 mya, it is not yet possible interest with students already versed in at Bridger, ended the trip with a hike
to determine if their echolocation abili- wild horses. Prior to their visit, they had through Lost Creek. He explained
ties evolved separately in each genus, completed extensive research. geological features of the Canyon to
or only once. My seventh grade classes began the class.
What is certain is that echoloca- research after Congress passed the Burns Without the help of Friends, BLM
tion has evolved several times in Amendment to the Appropriations Bill and the NWHA, this trip would not
vertebrate species as diverse as bats, in December 2004 calling for the public have been possible. The school and its
whales and birds. This useful biologi- sale of wild horses without limitation, students are very grateful and hope that
cal adaptation continues to inspire the removing all protection against resale next year new students will be able to
quest for more sophisticated electronic for slaughter. The students wrote letters visit the Canyon. As adults, our students
devices for submarines and aircraft. to Nevada’s Senators asking for repeal will have the potential to advocate for
Sonar is just one example of the sci- and participate in events for preserving
ence of biomimicry . . . extracting of this amendment to save the lives of the Canyon.
nature’s secrets to create technological thousands of wild horses facing an un- 
adaptations that mimic the world of certain future.
living creatures.  Red Rock Specialty
License Plate Update
A Day at the Canyon
by Mary Thompson Sadly, the State Legislature re-
jected the proposed special Senate Bill
ixty students from Jim Bridger that would have enabled Friends of
Middle School visited Red Rock Red Rock Canyon to sponsor a Red
SCanyon on May 10, 2005. For Rock Canyon license plate. This special
many, this was the first time they had legislative action, sponsored by Nevada
seen the Canyon. The trip was made State Senator Dina Titus, would have
possible through a transportation schol- augmented the critically needed funding
arship received from Friends. Special for Red Rock Canyon support, which
thanks goes to Pat Williams, who made has been drastically reduced in Federal
the trip possible, as there were no school appropriated budget allocations.
funds available for transportation or Senator Titus presented many
for costs of substitute teachers. Bridger Amigo, NWHA’s mascot pinto strong and eloquent arguments in favor
School is located in an at-risk area of rescued from the Red Rock herd in July of this exemption proposal to the current
Vegas. Often, students are not able to 2002, was introduced to the class by annual 25 plate levels. However, the
attend outside activities due to shortages Trudy Lawrence, Amigo’s trainer. Natu- exemption was not granted.
of funding for events like this. rally, Amigo was the main attraction with But all is not lost. Friends of Red
When the kids arrived at the Visi- his kind heart and easygoing disposition. Rock Canyon has submitted approxi-
tor Center, they were greeted by BLM He allowed the kids to pet him non-stop mately 2,000 supporting signatures, as
staffers Kathy August and Jerri Bertola. for about an hour. Some kids even braided well as conceptual artwork, to the Nevada
Kathy welcomed them with a brief ex- his mane. He accepted treats graciously Department of Motor Vehicles for nor-
planation of the exhibits and followed from all passers-by. For most, this was a mal processing. There will very likely
this with an outside walk around Mojave first experience with any horse, wild or be a Red Rock Canyon license plate,
Max’s headquarters. Immediately fol- not. A few students who were not usually thanks in no small part to the efforts
lowing her introductions, all were able chosen for outings because of their unruly of Norman Wolin who spearheaded the
to view the desert tortoises already out behavior were given the opportunity to at-
sunning themselves. Then students tend. They were not only models of good
entered the exhibit area and enjoyed a behavior, but wrote reports on Amigo and
brief tour. their trip upon return to class. News & Notes, continued on p. 5.
FORRC/July 2005 Page 3