From 2005-2021, students and the public were invited to attend trumpeter swan releases, where they watched the swans being banded while learning about the history of trumpeters in the Blackfoot, the restoration efforts, basic swan biology, and more.  Attending teachers held young swans while they were banded and released, with their students looking on. 

Following the releases, students learned about wetland ecology and other swan-related topics at a series of learning stations near the release site.  In addition, a set of accompanying lessons was developed for teachers to use to extend the learning in the classroom.  Visit our Resources for Educators page to view these lessons. The releases are no longer taking place — as the Blackfoot swan population has met its recovery goals. Our focus is now on engaging students in monitoring swans and learning about protecting their habitats.