The Jackpot Combined School Ecology Club was created five years ago as a vehicle to teach conservation science and to foster a genuine appreciation of the environment. The Ecology Club adopted a ten acre parcel of riparian habitat donated to the school by a local philanthropist. In the past, the property had been utilized as a grazing pasture and had suffered severe habitat degradation.

The Ecology Club worked to restore native coyote willow to the riverbanks in order to prevent further erosion. After assessing the site, they used GPS technology to determine specific riparian zonation. Using these established characteristics, they were able to plant zone appropriate vegetation in each defined area. Next, the group constructed and installed several nesting boxes for mountain bluebirds and a variety of waterfowl. The nesting boxes were systematically monitored for nesting activity. Native Chukar partridge and rainbow trout have been collected and transported to the site. The rainbow trout are actually raised in the classroom and are periodically released into Shoshone Creek.

The students also monitor the water quality in order to evaluate the effectiveness of their bioengineered erosion control structures and their vegetative restoration efforts. The Ecology Club has constructed a half-mile nature trail on the north side of the creek using precise GPS coordinates to create geographically accurate maps of the parcel. The group has also hosted an annual "Science Field Day" in order to expose elementary students to the concept of environmental stewardship.

According to The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, "The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is pleased to support the Jackpot Combined School Ecology Club in their wetland and riparian habitat restoration efforts. This program embodies a Foundation mission to promote conservation of native ecosystems through stewardship and an array of partnerships.

The Foundation applauds the Jackpot Combined School Ecology Club's commitment to habitat restoration in their school and community."