Some students in Woodland Park are embarking on a unique research project thanks to a collaboration between Merit Academy and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Ninth and tenth-grade students from Merit Academy recently participated in capturing and releasing 17 wild turkeys on a ranch near Divide. Equipped with satellite backpacks and GPS collars, the students will be tracking the turkeys' movements as part of the 'Understanding Wild Turkey Behavior with Radio Telemetry' project.
Unveiling Turkey Secrets
Throughout the school year, the students will monitor the turkeys' daily and seasonal behaviors, including roosting and nesting sites, to create comprehensive maps. This valuable data will assist CPW in making informed wildlife management decisions to handle the region's growing wild turkey population.
Empowering Education through STEM
The project received generous funding of almost $10,000 from the Toshiba America Foundation's STEM grant. Spearheaded by Merit Academy science teacher Tim Lundt, this initiative highlights the importance of practical, hands-on learning experiences in environmental conservation.
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