Students get lessons in conservation

Students from several Randolph County schools attended Fifth Grade Conservation Day May 3, sponsored by the Randolph County Soil & Water Conservation District at the Randolph County State Recreation Area.

The event, arranged by Cheryl Houghlan, Randolph County SWCD, featured stations where the students learned about the following conservation topics:

Students first had an opportunity to learn about endangered species and wildlife contraband from Peter Fox, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

Susan Rick of Cliff Top provided a hands-on tree identification station.

Basic fishing instructions were provided by Scott Isringhausen, IDNR Urban Fishing Coordinator, who also provided all the fishing equipment for the day.

Nichole Gibson and Kelly Finchum of Farm Service Agency, Mrs. McKinnies and her Steeleville High School 5 Ag students all assisted the kids while they fished in the lake.

Students then learned about the types of composting at the vermiculture station provided by Katie Bell, Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farm Educator.

Michaela Castens, Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator, provided a station on butterflies and their role in pollination.

At the final station, students visited a rain simulator trailer for a demonstration on how water causes soil erosion from Andrea Kohring of Precision Conservation Management and Cindy Zipfel of the Monroe County SWCD.

The Randolph County SWCD appreciates the Randolph County State Recreation Area staff members for making time to arrange all the tables needed for this event and would also like to thank Pam Haley, Granny's Concessions located at the park.