Students Learn Importance of Conservation
Published: Friday, May 17, 2019
The Covered Bridge Farm County Park Conservation Tour took place last Tuesday and Wednesday in St. Joseph County (Mich.). Elementary school students learned about a variety of topics during the day and got hands-on experience.
Each station throughout the tour had a different theme. Students learned about the importance of wildlife, corn and its byproducts, pond life, invasive species and how to reduce their damage, maple syrup and more.
"Our hope is that teachers, students and parents see the importance of conservation of our resources," said Eva Beeker, 4-H program coordinator with Michigan State University Extension. "Who knows, we might spark the interest in a student to pursue a career in one of the areas that we have presented."
About 625 students attended the tour from St. Joseph County elementary schools. This was the 52nd year for the tour. Every year, the conservation district holds a tree sale. That sale contributes money for extra trees seedlings that are sent home with fourth- and fifth-graders each year.
Shaun Grace is a program director for the St. Joseph County Conservation District. At his station, students learned about trees and the important role they play in the environment.
"The goal is to give them a general knowledge and teach them the importance of the trees, planting trees and why we do it, and just a little bit of the progression of life of the tree," Grace said.
Invasive plants and animals cause damage to nature. Students learned how they can protect their lakes and woodlands. Children learned about some plants and animals that they did not know were invasive.
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