LEWISTON LAPWAI

GIFFORD

PECK

KAMIAH

KOOSKIA

OROFINO

Snake River

Lapwai Creek

Cottonwood Creek Magpie Creek Orono Creek Clearwater River

Jim Ford Creek

Lolo Creek

Sixmile Creek

Big Canyon Creek Little Canyon Creek

Dworshak Reservoir

Potlatch River

95 95

12

Clearwater River

The Ant and Yellow Jacket

landscape feature

Nez Perce NationalHistorical Park

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

This map is a graphical representation designed for general reference purposes only.

Dworshak Dam

IDAHO

N

BLM/ID/GI-14/001+8367
1

Welcome � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2

Whispers of History � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �3

Activity 1, The Legend of Ant and Yellow Jacket � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �4

Activity 2, Hidden Hunted Animals � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �6

Activity 3, Exploration Documentation � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �7

Fish Fun in the Water and Sun � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8

Activity 1, Fishing Tools Past and Present � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8

Activity 2, What Do the Fish Types Look Like? � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9

Activity 3, Being Safe on a Water Day � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10

Attractions Along the River � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12

Activity 1, Decoding Mission for the Dworshak Dam Area � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12

Activity 2, Nez Perce National Historical Park � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14

Activity 3, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Bingo � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15

Conservation and Stewardship � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 16

Activity 1, The Journey of Fred the Fish � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 16

Activity 2, Are You a Water Waster? � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 18

Activity 3, How to be a Good Steward � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19

Did You Know? � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �20

Junior Explorer Pledge � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 21

Answer Key � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �23
Hello Junior Explorer! In this activity book you will learn some

cool things about the Clearwater River, including some of the river’s

history, how to help take care of the river, some special places

along the river, and the animals living in or near the river,

especially the fish!

The Clearwater River is famous for its steelhead trout fishing and begins its journey in the Bitterroot

Mountains in Idaho at the headwaters of the Lochsa and Selway Rivers. The river travels westward along

U.S. Highway 12 and ends in Lewiston, at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers. A confluence

is where two separate rivers join together. The Snake River continues into Washington, where it joins the

Columbia River and eventually flows into the Pacific Ocean.

As you travel along U.S. Highway 12, you will pass historic landmarks, see the shifting scenic views of

the Clearwater River, and pass through small river towns and recreation sites, which are

described in some of the activities in this book. Earn your Junior Explorer

certificate by exploring places along the river and completing

9 of the 12 activities in this book. Then say the Junior

Explorer pledge at the end of this book,

sign the certificate, and you’re

on your way to exploring

and protecting America’s

waterways.

Did You Know?

The area along the Clearwater River is composed of 75 percent

private land and 25 percent public land. The public lands, or

lands leased from private landowners, are managed by the

Clearwater Management Council and taken care of by wildlife and

fisheries biologists, river rangers, outdoor recreation planners,

foresters, hydrologists, fire ecologists, and

law enforcement and marine officers,

to name a few. The people with these

professions help visitors enjoy and protect

the waterway.

Since public lands are available for

everyone to use, everyone must use the

lands responsibly and be good stewards

of the land. We all have to work together

to take care of the land so that future

Junior Explorers can enjoy the land too.

2
The areas in Idaho now called Clearwater, Idaho, Lewis, and Nez Perce Counties

were originally inhabited by various bands of Nez Perce (or Nimi’ipuu) Indians.

They had permanent villages along the banks of the Clearwater, Salmon, and

Snake Rivers. The rivers and the mountainous region provided a wealth of

resources and a variety of animals and plants on which to thrive. People used the

rivers for transportation, drinking, and a food source. The Nez Perce migrated

seasonally to gather food and hunt land animals, but the wealth of resources in

the area encouraged them to live along the river much of the year. Local villages

usually had populations between 30 and 200 individuals, which made the Nez

Perce the largest population in Idaho before settlement by pioneers.

Today, the Nez Perce Tribal Government is located in Lapwai, Idaho. Many of

the Nez Perce people continue to make their home on their ancestral land

in the area.

3
4

Activity 1, The Legend of Ant and Yellow Jacket

Many Nez Perce stories teach children about nearby landforms and help them learn their language,

history, and culture. The Nez Perce homeland is surrounded by landmarks that serve as backdrops to

stories about Coyote and other spiritual entities. Coyote is a teacher, trickster, or hero depending on the

particular story. The following story is about Ant and Yellow Jacket.

The ants and yellow jackets were friends with each other but had occasional arguments. One day, 

the leader of the yellow jackets was sitting on a rock eating a salmon when the leader of the ants 

arrived. Ant became jealous and said he wanted the rock and that Yellow Jacket should have asked 

for permission before sitting there. They then started fighting very loudly, which attracted the 

attention of Coyote. Coyote asked them to stop fighting, but they ignored him and continued 

fighting even more loudly. While fighting with their backs arched and their mouths gripping each 

other, Coyote turned them to stone for being greedy and not listening. There was plenty of food 

and other rocks to eat on without them 

having to fight. The Ant and Yellow Jacket landscape feature is 

located near Spalding along the Clearwater River at 

the junction of Highway 12 and Highway 95.
Connect the blue and red sets of 

numbered dots separately, in order 

to see what Ant and Yellow Jacket 

might have looked like right 

before they were turned 

to stone.

5
6

Activity 2, Hidden Hunted Animals

The Clearwater River and the nearby land provided many types of food for the Nez Perce, including several

types of berries, root vegetables, pine nuts, seeds, small and large game, birds, and fish. The large game

animals could be found in the mountains bordering the river, and small game animals, such as rabbit,

squirrel, and marmot, lived in neighboring valleys. The common game birds they hunted in the area included

ducks, geese, and grouse. Many varieties of fish were included

in the Nez Perce diet, such as salmon, trout, and suckers.

Help the Nez Perce hunt for enough food to stock up for the winter 

by circling the hiding animals. You should be able to find a deer, elk, 

rabbit, squirrel, marmot, salmon, and duck. 

Check the answer key in the back to make 

sure you found them all.
Activity 3, Exploration Documentation

The Lewis and Clark Expedition’s Corps of Discovery travelled into what is now the Clearwater River

watershed in September 1805. The Corps met the Nez Perce who fed the starving men. At first, the Nez

Perce were unsure and suspicious of the expedition’s intent. After some discussion, the Nez Perce decided to

help the men. The Corps of Discovery camped with the Nez Perce at Canoe Camp along the Clearwater River.

The Nez Perce assisted the men of the Corps in burning out the center of logs to make canoe building faster.

After they made five canoes, the expedition left to make their way to the Pacific Ocean.

In May 1806, Lewis and Clark returned to the Clearwater River, where the Nez Perce welcomed them back.

The expedition came to collect the horses and supplies they left in the care of the Nez Perce the previous

year. The Corps stayed until the end of June when the snow was melted enough to pass through the

mountains. During their stay, the Corps and Nez Perce shared knowledge about medicines, games, dancing,

and much more. Nez Perce guides helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition get back over the mountains on

their return to the eastern part of the country.

Since computers, phones, cameras, and video cameras had not been invented yet, the men of the Lewis and

Clark Expedition wrote frequent journal entries to record the experiences of their journey. They even made

sketches in their journals. Pretend you’re a member of the Corps. What would you write and draw in your 

journal entry after meeting and staying with the Nez Perce? 

Leave No Trace

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Use a map so you don’t 

get lost.

• Bring a variety of clothes 

to protect you from cold, 

heat, and rain.

• Bring plenty of food and 

water.

In May 1806,

7
Fish, especially salmon, formed a major part of the Nez Perce diet. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition

reported seeing native tribes fishing in the river for salmon so numerous “one could almost walk on their

backs across the water.” Today, the Clearwater River is famous as a world premier sport fishery. Large steelhead

trout return to their Clearwater River spawning grounds after spending 2 to 3 years in the ocean. Many of

these fish weigh more than 20 pounds. Steelhead trout are similar to salmon because they return to their

birthplace to spawn, or reproduce. Unlike salmon, steelhead trout can spawn more than once in their lifetime.

Activity 1, Fishing Tools Past and Present

Draw a line matching the Native American fishing tools on the left side with the fishing tools used today on the 

right side. As you can see, fishing tools really haven’t changed much over time.

•	Fishing net	 •	Fishing pole

•	Hook	 •	Harpoon or spear

•	Weight and sinker

8
Activity 2, What Do the Fish Types Look Like?

Besides the large steelhead trout, the Clearwater River and Dworshak Reservoir are home to many other

types of fish and provide a great opportunity for fishing. Fishers can catch salmon, bass, and catfish to

name a few. To see what some of the fish common to the Clearwater River and Dworshak Reservoir look like, 

unscramble the fish names next to their pictures. After you’re finished, check the answer key in the back.

kankoee ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ salmon

maerypl ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

apcriep ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

allsmthmuo ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ bass

kipe ___ ___ ___ ___

 stleedeah ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ trout

cishatf ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

wobnair ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ trout

9
Activity 3, Being Safe on a Water Day

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.”

- Lao Tzu 

Many people come to the Clearwater River to fly fish, boat fish, kayak, or float in an inner tube. People

can learn to read rivers and travel on them in a safe way. However, rivers aren’t completely predictable,

especially compared to the water of a swimming pool. Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert

when interacting with the water. Read the water safety tips, and take 

the water safety quiz to learn about some ways to be safe and to 

help ensure you have a fun day on the water. Check 

the answer key at the end of the book to see all 

of the correct answers.

Water Safety Tips

•	Even though there’s plenty of water in the river, always carry drinking water to prevent dehydration.

•	Even on cloudy days, you should use sunscreen to prevent a sunburn. A hat can also help shield your eyes

and face from the sun.

•	Bring plenty of snacks to keep your energy up for floating down the river.

•	As you float downstream, avoid debris that can trap you or your boat.

1.	 Never swim or boat alone. Always swim or boat with a________.

	 a.	 frog

	 b.	 buddy

	 c.	 inner tube

	 d.	 fish

2.	 Never ______ into a lake or river.

	 a.	 walk

	 b.	 look

	 c.	 dive

	 d.	 throw rocks

3.	 The most important item to have and wear is your _________.

	 a.	 hat

	 b.	 inner tube

	 c.	 life jacket

	 d.	 gloves

10
4.	 You can reach someone in trouble in the water with a _________.

	 a.	 popsicle, snowball, or ice cream cone

	 b.	 wet noodle, soda can, or kitchen sink

	 c.	 pole, branch, or paddle

	 d.	 anchor, chain, or boulder

5.	 If you can’t swim, it’s wise to __________.

	 a.	 take swimming lessons

	 b.	 just wade

	 c.	 use a rubber raft to keep you afloat

6.	 When floating the river with an inner tube, you should wear a __________.

	 a.	 hat

	 b.	 shirt

	 c.	 life jacket

	 d.	 watch

7.	 Swimming in open water, such as a lake or river, is more tiring and harder than swimming in a pool.

	 a.	 true

	 b.	 false

8.	 What can be dangerous in the river?

	 a.	 water current

	 b.	 water temperature

	 c.	 other boats

	 d.	 all of the above

9.	 When going on a boating trip, tell someone you

	 know where you are going and when you plan

to be back. And while you’re being safe, don’t

	 forget to ______________.

	 a.	 take a nap

	 b.	 have fun

	 c.	 be bored

	 d.	 do jumping jacks

Leave No Trace

Be Kind to Other Visitors

• Others are here to enjoy the 

outdoors too. Make sure the fun you 

have does not bother anyone else.

• Listen to nature.

• Avoid making loud noises or yelling.

• You will see more animals if you 

are quiet.

11
12

Activity 1, Decoding Mission for the Dworshak Dam Area

The Dworshak National Fish Hatchery pumps about 2.15 million smolts (young

salmon) into the river system every year for a return of

about 20,000 adult steelhead. It is the largest steelhead

hatchery in the world. The 717-foot Dworshak Dam is

one of the highest straight-axis concrete gravity dams in

the world. The reservoir extends 54 miles into the wild,

rugged timberland. The dam controls flooding on the

North Fork of the Clearwater River, protecting towns and

cities along the Clearwater River and downstream from the dam.

Your mission as you travel this area, if you choose to accept it, 

is to decode the messages below. Here is how the code works. 

The numbers 1 through 26 stand for the letters of the alphabet. 

For example, 1 = A, 2 = B, 3 = C, etc. Fill in the correct letters, and 

decode the message.

	 1	 2	 3	 4	 5	 6	 7	 8	 9	 10	 11	 12	 13	 14	 15	 16	 17	 18	 19	 20	 21	 22	 23	 24	 25	 26

	 A	 B	 C	 D	 E	 F	 G	 H	 I	 J	 K	 L	 M	 N	 O	 P	 Q	 R	 S	 T	 U	 V	 W	 X	 Y	 Z

1.	 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers __________________ and operates the

4, 5, 19, 9, 7, 14, 5, 4

	 _____________________ Dam and Reservoir.

	 4, 23, 15, 18, 19, 8, 1, 11

2.	 The main missions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Dworshak Dam and

	 Reservoir are generating hydroelectric power, ______________ control, managing

6, 12, 15, 15, 4

	 natural ________________________, and providing recreational opportunities.

	 18, 5, 19, 15, 21, 18, 3, 5, 19

3.	 The North Fork of the _________________________ River drains into the Clearwater River.

3, 12, 5, 1, 18, 23, 1, 20, 5, 18

4.	 The Dworshak project includes a dam and a fish ___________________

8, 1, 20, 3, 8, 5, 18, 25

	 managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
	 1	 2	 3	 4	 5	 6	 7	 8	 9	 10	 11	 12	 13	 14	 15	 16	 17	 18	 19	 20	 21	 22	 23	 24	 25	 26

	 A	 B	 C	 D	 E	 F	 G	 H	 I	 J	 K	 L	 M	 N	 O	 P	 Q	 R	 S	 T	 U	 V	 W	 X	 Y	 Z

5.	 The Clearwater River is _______________ by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service,

13, 1, 14, 1, 7, 5, 4

	 Corps of Engineers, Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, four counties, 

	 and private landowners.

 

6.	 The Clearwater River watersheds’ natural resources include: _________________,

19, 1, 12, 13, 15, 14

	 ____________________, _______________, _________,

	 19, 20, 5, 5, 12, 8, 5, 1, 4	 5, 1, 7, 12, 5, 19	 5, 12, 11

	 ___________________ ______________, and _______________ .

	 4, 18, 9, 14, 11, 9, 14, 7	 23, 1, 20, 5, 18	 20, 9, 13, 2, 5, 18

7.	 Park ranger jobs include backcountry ___________________ in rafts, motorboats, trucks,

16, 1, 20, 18, 15, 12, 19

	 canoes, or aircraft; leading guided ___________ ; manning visitor centers; and __________________

8, 9, 11, 5, 19	 20, 5, 1, 3, 8, 9, 14, 7

	 visitors about the vast natural resources in the U.S.

8.	 Outdoor recreation planner jobs include managing _____________ systems,

18, 9, 22, 5, 18

	 developing recreation sites such as boat ramps, _________________ local rivers, and

2, 15, 1, 20, 9, 14, 7

	 managing commercial permits.

Activity 1 continued

13
14

Activity 2, Nez Perce National Historical Park

The Nez Perce National Historical Park has 38 sites located in Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. If

you’re unable to make it to any of the sites, or if you’d like to see more, visit the park’s virtual museum. The

park manages a collection of objects and artifacts that the Nez Perce used over the past 10,000 years. The

virtual museum can be accessed at www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/nepe/index.html.

Arrowheads and other historical artifacts are protected by law and should stay where they are found. Never

remove or harm artifacts and archaeological sites. Instead, take a photo, draw a picture, or write down a

memory. Answer the following questions about Nez Perce objects to solve the hidden message. You can check 

your answers in the answer key in the back of this book.

1. These olivella shells were strung together to form a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

2. _ _ _ _ claws were often strung together and worn as a necklace.

3. _ _ _ _ _ were an important part of Nez Perce musical traditions.

4. The Nez Perce traveled a lot by foot and used animal hide

to make these for their feet. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

5. The Nez Perce used this for protection and hunting. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

6. A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ was a sign of leadership and honor and was

usually passed down from generation to generation.

7. The Nez Perce used to live in _ _ _ _ _.

8. Mother’s used a cradleboard to carry their _ _ _ _ on their back.

9. This _ _ _ _ _ was made with deer hide and glass beads.

10. This _ _ _ _ _ _ is made of roots and bark and was used

to gather roots, seeds, and berries.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ABOUT ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 
15

Activity 3, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Bingo

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, from Illinois to the Pacific Ocean and back, was the first American expedition

across the largely unexplored West. Today, visitors can follow the expedition’s path on the Lewis and Clark

National Historic Trail. Parts of the trail follow close to the Clearwater River, and a lot of wildlife and plants

live here. If you hike any of the trail or while spending time near any part of the river, cross off the items on the 

bingo board as you see them. When you complete a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal), say “Bingo!”

Leave No Trace

Leave What You Find

• Leave an area the same way you found it so the next person can enjoy it too.

• Treat living plants with respect, and never cut into a living tree.

• Leave natural objects and historical items as you found them.

15
16

Conservation and Stewardship

You can play an important role in protecting rivers by being a good steward. Stewardship means the careful

and responsible treatment of something entrusted to your care. We are all responsible to care for the

nation’s river and waterway resources so that they are here for future generations to visit, study, and enjoy.

Some ways you can participate in caring for rivers and waterways are by keeping them free of litter, by being

careful not to cause damage to special resources, and by conserving water.

Activity 1, The Journey of Fred the Fish

Read about Fred the fish’s journey from the Clearwater River to the ocean, and then complete the maze to see 

what Fred’s journey looked like and to help him complete his journey.

Fred is an anadromous fish, like a salmon or steelhead. These types of fish must migrate from 

their freshwater birthplace to the saltwater ocean, and back to their freshwater homes at the 

end of their lives.

One day, Fred decides he is old enough to begin his long journey from his mountain birthplace 

to the ocean. He starts out in clear, clean mountain water. Fred is happy! His gills can breathe 

oxygen easily, there are lots of critters to eat, and the water is nice and cold.

As Fred heads downstream, he comes alongside a road and goes underneath a bridge. In the 

mountains, there has been a lot of snow. When snow falls on the roads, what do people do to help 

the snow and ice melt? They put chemicals like salt or magnesium chloride on the roads. When 

the snow melts, these chemicals mix with the water and run off the bridge into the stream. These 

chemicals change the water quality of Fred’s stream a little bit. He finds it uncomfortable, but he 

decides to continue his journey anyway.

Fred swims down the stream from the mountains and into a river. He comes to an agricultural 

area, with farm land right beside the river. In spring, when Fred is making his journey, the 

farmers are plowing and there is a lot of bare, exposed soil. When it rains really hard, what 

happens to all the exposed soil? It washes into the river. Look at Fred’s stream now. When Fred 

tries to breathe in this water, it is like humans trying to breathe in a dust storm. But Fred 

decides he will keep going in the hopes that things will get a little better.

Next, Fred swims through a small town and past a park beside the river. In the park, some 

people threw their trash on the ground instead of in the garbage can or recycling bin. Some of 

the trash is near the river, and some is near the storm drain. What do you think happens to the 

trash when it rains? It washes down the land to the drain and into the stream. And what would 

that trash do to Fred? He might think it is food and choke on it. He could get caught in it. He 

could even get cut by something like a soda can.
17

Fred is having a very difficult time, but he has traveled so far that he is determined to 

complete his journey. As the river enters the city, Fred sees lots of roads and cars. On the 

roads and driveways, there are a lot of stains from leaking car engines. Where do you think all 

of that antifreeze, motor oil, and other engine fluid goes when it rains? Into the storm drain! 

And where does the water in the storm drain go? Into the river! Fred doesn’t like to taste engine 

fluids any more than people would. Fred is not feeling very good at all.

Fred makes it to the ocean, but he knows that someday he will have to swim back up that 

dirty river. He hopes that all the people who live, work, and drive near the river can make some 

changes in their lives that will help make the return trip less dangerous.

Start

Finish
Activity 2, Are You a 

Water Waster?

Water Use Facts

•	Americans flush 6.8 billion gallons of water

	 down toilets every day.

•	On average, a single American uses 80 to

	 100 gallons of water a day.

•	Shower heads use 2 to 5 gallons of water a minute.

•	A full bathtub contains about 36 gallons of water.

•	Washing machines use 25 to 40 gallons of water per load,

	 and dishwashers use 4 to 10 gallons per load

	 (washing dishes by hand can use 20 gallons of water per load!)

Information Source: www.usgs.gov

Try this experiment to find out how easy it is to waste water.

Materials Needed

-	 One clean, empty 1-quart milk carton

-	 Toothbrush and toothpaste

Procedure

1.	To figure out how much water your family would use if they all left the water running while brushing

their teeth, brush your teeth with the water running. At the same time, have another person fill the milk

container with the running water, until you finish brushing.

2.	Record how many quart containers are filled. Number of quarts: ______

3.	Determine the number of times teeth are brushed each day at your house based on the amount of family

members you have and how many times each family member brushes their teeth each day. Number of

teeth brushings each day: ______

4.	Then multiply the number of quarts of water you collected during one brushing by the number of

brushings each day. That’s how many quarts of water your family can save by not running the water when

they brush!

Number of quarts of water collected x number of teeth brushings 

each day = ______ quarts of water that can be saved each day

Water Conservation Tips

•	Shorten your shower by a minute or two, and you can save 150 gallons of water per month!

•	Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when full—you can save 1,000 gallons of water each month!

•	Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening

	 when the temperature is cooler and evaporation is less.

•	When cleaning out your fish tank, give the nutrient-rich water

	 to your plants. Do not pour the water in a river, lake, or stream.

	 This can spread invasive aquatic plants and other species.

•	Collect water from your down spouts to use on your garden—

saving water saves money and helps the planet!

Information source: http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php

“For many of us, watersimply flows from a faucet, and we think little about

it beyond this point of contact. We have lost a sense of respect for the

wild river, for the complex workings of a wetland, for the intricate

web of life that water supports.”

–Sandra Postel, director and founder of the

Global Water Policy Project

18
Activity 3, How to be a Good Steward

Read the paragraph and find and circle the underlined words.

As good stewards of the environment, we need to care for, love, and respect the natural resources of the

earth. Some examples of being a good steward are conserving water or recycling...and teaching others how

to be good stewards. Good stewards commit to helping protect water from pollution and prevent harm to

wild animals. Enjoy the outdoors responsibly, share this information with your friends, and you could even

volunteer some of your free time to the outdoors. Be a good steward, and give nature a chance to thrive.

T V N T R B D M G E S V T O R Q K Z R V 

O N O Q C U Q R T H R I V E W P C H K A 

V Y E L B E S B A S M S S I J M V A L G 

D A D M U S T R U M E P K Z D Z R L N E 

L R F A N N E O O T E D L M F Q W I C E 

I L K U O O T C R C H C G R O V V R R Y 

W M H J M E R E T P N C N X E R T W Y E 

E I B Z Y Y P I E O T F A Q E U E L L N 

D R A W E T S L V R G G H S P A A R B J 

C I S A Z V X H T N T B N B G H C O I O 

D J C C F K O F C L E O I B D Q H T S Y 

W E M T O I Q L O H C U R R Q X I N N E 

S E C R U O S E R L A R U T A N N E O R 

R E C Y C L I N G D A B P E C M G V P C 

O G Z A X C C W E G E I S Y A L S E S H 

D F U F K O C F R E O E R A C R H R E L 

H D B A F W Y M R D H C X G V C T P R M 

D J G X I S K W J A O K D B R R T H A M 

N P L R Z M K G A A G R J C N N H E X Z 

L O R I T X C T M Y L Q I H Z E L X M E

care	 recycling

commit	 respect

conserving	 responsibly

earth	 share

enjoy	 steward

environment	 teaching

love	 thrive

natural resources	 volunteer

prevent	 wild

protect

Leave No Trace

Respect Wildlife

• Observe animals from 

a distance, and never 

approach, feed, or 

follow them.

• Human food is 

unhealthy for all 

animals, and feeding 

them starts bad habits.

• Never touch a wild 

animal, even if it looks 

hurt. The best way to 

help is to tell a ranger 

or responsible adult.

• Control pets at all times 

(or leave them at home) 

so they don’t bother 

wildlife.

19
The Appaloosa is the official state horse 

of Idaho. Appaloosas are distinguished 

by colorful spotted coat patterns, striped 

hooves, mottled skin, and white on the 

outer portion of the eye. The Nez Perce 

are known as exceptional horse breeders 

and developed the original American 

Appaloosa breed.

20

Two Nez Perce men with an Appaloosa horse close to 1895.
JUNIOR EXPLORER PLEDGE

I promise to:

•	 Stay safe on the river by wearing safety equipment.

•	 Treat archaeological and historical sites with respect.

•	 Take only pictures, leaving the things I see for someone else to discover.

•	 Respect rivers, streams, and lakes that supply my drinking water by keeping them clean.

•	 Teach others what I have learned.

I will do these things to:

•	 Help preserve our natural resources for future generations.

•	 Allow myself and my family a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure.

I will remember:

•	 “It’s not what you find, it’s what you find out.”

	 – Quote by Archaeologist David Hurst Thomas

Junior Explorer

____________________________________

Signature Date

Congratulations! You are now a Junior Explorer for the Clearwater River!
Cut out and

save certificate
23

Answer Key

WHISPERS OF HISTORY

Activity 1, The Legend of Ant and Yellow Jacket

FISH FUN IN THE WATER AND SUN

Activity 1, Fishing Tools Past and Present

Activity 2, Hidden Hunted Animals

Activity 2, What Do the Fish Types Look Like?

1. Rainbow trout	 5. Smallmouth bass

2. Catfish	 6. Steelhead trout

3. Kokanee salmon	 7. Pike

4. Lamprey	 8. Crappie

Activity 3, Being Safe on a Water Day

1. b. buddy	 6. c. life jacket

2. c. dive	 7. a. true

3. c. life jacket	 8. d. all of the above

4. c. pole, branch, or paddle	 9. b. have fun

5. a. take swimming lessons	

ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE RIVER

Activity 1, Decoding Mission for the Dworshak Dam Area

1. designed, Dworshak

2. flood, resources

3. Clearwater

4. hatchery

5. managed

6. salmon, steelhead, eagles, elk, drinking water, timber

7. patrols, hikes, teaching

8. river, boating
24

Activity 2, Nez Perce National Historical Park

1. Petroglyphs

2. Bear

3. Drums

4. Moccasins

5. Tomahawk

6. Headdress

7. Tipis

8. Baby

9. Dress

10. Basket

__ __ __ __ __ ABOUT __ __ __ __ __ __ __

CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP

Activity 1, The Journey of Fred the Fish

Activity 3, How to be a Good Steward

 LEARN THE PAST
The Bureau of Land Management would like to sincerely thank the National Park Service and the

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for participating in the production of this Junior Explorer booklet.