More than 700 fifth graders from across DeSoto County traded their classrooms for hands-on outdoor lessons Thursday at the DeSoto Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual Conservation Field Day. The Oct. 1 event at the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center taught students about bats, water use, trees and litter through a rotation of interactive stations led by local and federal partners.
Students came from Center Hill Elementary School, Hernando Intermediate School, Overpark Elementary School and Northpoint Christian School, according to the DeSoto Times-Tribune.
What Students Learned at Conservation Field Day
The day was built around short, hands-on sessions designed to make environmental science stick with 10- and 11-year-olds. Presenters included:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Natural Resources Specialist Shea Staten talked about bats and the role they play in the ecosystem, and suggested simple ways families can help, such as planting native plants, limiting pesticide use and putting up a bat house.
DeSoto Civic Garden Club: Member Dawn Weiss led a water conservation booth showing how small household habits add up.
Master Gardeners: Volunteers walked students through reading tree rings to learn a tree’s age and growing history.
Mississippi Department of Transportation: Courtney Collins Goode used a “Myrtle the Turtle” puppet show to explain why litter and roadside trash harm wildlife and waterways.
Planting Seeds Early
DSWCD Administrator Stacey Pirtle said the goal is to reach children before habits are set. “We’re planting those seeds while they are young,” Pirtle told the Times-Tribune.
At least one lesson clearly landed. Fifth grader Eleanor Arnold said the most surprising fact she heard was that a dripping faucet can waste up to eight gallons of water a day.
About the DeSoto Soil and Water Conservation District
The DeSoto Soil and Water Conservation District works with landowners, farmers, schools and community groups to protect the county’s soil, water and natural resources. Along with technical help for agricultural producers, the district runs youth education programs, including the annual Conservation Field Day, to build awareness of conservation among the county’s next generation.
The Agri-Education Center, which hosted Thursday’s event, will also host the Southeastern Rodeo Association Finals later this month.
How Families Can Keep the Lessons Going
Parents who want to build on what their students learned can try a few of the ideas presenters shared:
Fix leaky faucets and turn off the tap while brushing teeth.
Plant native flowers and shrubs that support pollinators and wildlife.
Cut back on lawn pesticides.
Pick up litter and keep trash out of storm drains and ditches.
Count the rings on a fallen tree stump to talk about a tree’s life.
