KDWP Secretary Hayden tours outdoor classroom
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Secretary Mike Hayden toured the Marion Elementary School outdoor classroom Thursday.
"I love this," he said. "Every school should have one."
Hayden was governor from 1987 to 1991, when he left Kansas for federal and private-sector jobs dealing with outdoor and conservation activities.
He was appointed KDWP secretary several months ago after Steve Williams was appointed to a federal position.
Hayden visited Marion at the invitation of teacher Ginger Becker, whose first graders were finishing a section on animals. They brought their projects outside, even though the wind was blustery.
Hayden said KDWP works hard to develop outdoor learning opportunities.
"If young people develop a sense of caring about the world and wild things there, they'll care about them when they get older," he said.
Hayden visited briefly with Superintendent Gerry Henderson; they met regularly for many years when both worked in Topeka.
"Teach them something, Governor," Henderson said.
"They'll teach me something," Hayden responded.
His first student contact was with Karly Hess. Hayden noticed she had a dragonfly on her top.
"What's your favorite insect?" he asked.
"Dragonflies," Karly said.
"I like 'em myself," Hayden responded.
Learning lessons
He walked from station to station, squatting down to listen as students described facts about various animals. Hayden helped them with big words, asked and answered questions, and roared with laughter when a boy claimed toads cause warts — and thrust his hand forward as evidence.
At the station on birds, students proudly gave Hayden a form stating that the nests and other objects were on loan from Marion Reservoir.
"You're legal," Hayden confirmed.
He helped students at the reptile station identify the shell of an ornate box turtle, the official state reptile.
Hayden particularly enjoyed the mammal station, giving students a brief presentation on the differences between mule deer and whitetail deer antlers in their display.
One asked if antlers tell how old a deer is.
"You really can't tell by the antlers, you have to look at the teeth," he explained. "But you can get an idea from the antlers."
Later, Hayden helped children prepare for a skit on nature. He adjusted costumes and helped ease pre-performance jitters by asking children where they lived, the name of their bus driver, and other topics.
Hayden stopped in Marion on his way to El Dorado, to participate in the annual Governor's One-Shot Turkey Hunt, which raises funds and awareness of hunting in Kansas.
Was he feeling confident?
"That's the thing about old tom turkey," Hayden said with a laugh. "Sometimes it's a gold mine, and sometimes it's a bust."
