Jackie, Marlana and Suzanne show off a milk snake at the 2009 History & Environmental Fair at the Kansas History Museum and its grounds.

The all-day event, held on Thursday, April 23rd, drew approximately 1000 mostly 4th through 6th graders and their teachers.  Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library’s display of reptiles, turtles and amphibians was extremely popular.  Much excitement and many questions were sparked  by the milk and bull snakes.

Following their visit with the animals, the kids trekked to the wetland area and creek for a visual scavenger hunt for environmental indicators, “the good, the bad and the ugly.” Animal tracks, a mallard duck, frog eggs, trash, bubbles in the water from chemicals, mosquito larvae, water plants, tadpoles and erosion were a few of the indicators that were spotted.

This lovely warm and sunny spring day a was a treat for both attendees and exhibitors!