T.O.S.A.

The Teacher on Summer Assignment program (TOSA) is a paid summer professional development opportunity sponsored by Weyerhaeuser designed to provide K-12 teachers first-hand knowledge of environmental issues.

Cool Springs includes a wide range of forest habitats, in close proximity, which produces great diversity of animal species. We have identified over 60 species of reptiles and amphibians present at Cool Springs, great indicators of forest ecosystem function.

TOSAs have worked with Cool Springs staff to check "trap lines" designed to make live captures of reptiles and amphibians using coverboards and drift fences. Traps were checked daily and animals were identified, weighed and measured. Data was used to augment current occurrence and frequency lists for the area. What the teachers uncover from this experience helps to improve our educational materials and activities.

Activities like these and other research can introduce school children to the science of herpetology and help them understand biological indicators of forest or habitat health.

For more information about the TOSA program, please contact us.