The Blaze - December 2013

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A Publication of The Chronicle for Centralia College Since 2012 • www.centraliablaze.com

Signs of Life at the KNOLL

CONNECTION

By Rocky Frahm For The Blaze

Volunteers are working hard to prepare for spawning season at the Kiser Natural Outdoors Learning Lab, where about a dozen salmon returned to spawn last year. More salmon are expected to return this year, with some already spotted in China Creek, the urban waterway that cuts through the outdoor learning laboratory. Edward Riley, a spokesman for Centralia College, said four salmon spawning nests, known as redds, were found last year in China Creek. Riley said that within 10 years, salmon runs in China Creek will become a natural occurrence as the fish population builds. The return of wildlife to what could formerly be described as a squalid creek filled with garbage and stormwater runoff wouldn’t be possible without the work of dozens of volunteers over the past three years. The KNOLL was completed by the college in 2011 as the final aspect in the construction of the new science center. It’s creation coincided with the efforts of the Centralia Stream Team, a group of city officials, community members and other volunteers who joined forces to clean out the creek and make it more appealing to wildlife beginning in 2010. Last year, Centralia College President Jim Walton was named the winner of the Russ Mohney Recreation Resource Stewardship Award for the college’s environmental work developing the Kiser Natural Outdoor Learning Lab, restoring salmon to China Creek and using pristine nature reserves for educational programs. This year, it appears the work of many has continued to help restore the creek and bring a diverse number of animals and fish to the area. Riley, in a post to the college’s Facebook page, said this week that a new arrival has brought even more reason to be proud of the KNOLL. “Since the college began the KNOLL project two years ago, I have noticed many species of animals, birds and insects that you wouldn't normally see in the middle of a city,” he said. “I have personally seen mated

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B Rocky Frahm / For The Blaze

Above: Ducks splash in China Creek at the Kiser Natural Outdoor Learning Laboratory earlier this month. Ducks, salmon, deer and raccoons are just a few of the animals seen frequenting the area since efforts began to clean up the creek and create a learning opportunity for thousands of students. Top Right: A recently downed tree exposes the presense of a beaver at the KNOLL, a first according to college officials.

‘‘I have noticed many species of animals, birds and insects that you wouldn’t normally see in the middle of a city.’’ Edward Riley

college spokesman

ducks, ducklings over the summer, deer, salmon, steelhead and a large variety of birds not seen in cities feeding from China Creek. Well now we have a new friend — a beaver.” Riley said he hasn’t seen the beaver, but that it has chewed down a couple trees. “As the project grows and matures, I sure hope I see more,” he wrote.

Aayla Withey / For The Blaze

A Centralia College student takes a break on top of one of the boulders marking the entrance of the Kiser Natural Outdoor Learning Laboratory earlier this month. In addition to the educational opportunities offered by the KNOLL, it also offers students a place to unwind in a natural environment.

During their most recent trip to the country, the Kirks took part in the 10th anniversary celebration and seventh graduation. A record 126 graduates received diplomas and degrees. There are now about 1,000 students taking classes at the university. The Kirks’ retirement from the foundation is effective Jan. 1.

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Hank and Jenny Kirk announced last week that they will be retiring from their roles with the University of Livingstonia in Malawi. The former Centralia College president made the announcement during a meeting of the Centralia Rotary Club at O'Blarney's Pub in downtown

Centralia. The Kirks first went to Malawi in 1998 as a mission trip, and they returned four years later to begin the process of creating a private university. The University of Livingstonia is considered a sister school to Centralia College. The goal was to create a self-sustaining university, and the Kirks say that goal has been reached.

Centralia College Student News on the Web

By The Blaze

centraliablaze.com

Hank and Jenny Kirk to End Work at African Sister College

Former Centralia College President Hank Kirk and his wife, Jenny, speak to the Centralia Rotary Club about their trip to Malawi and the University of Livingstonia in downtown Centralia.

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