Lee County SWCD/NRCS and Conservation Education in the Classroom

By Benjamin L. Burton, Farm Bill Technical Assistant, Lee County SWCD/NRCS, Auburn, AL

Lee County SWCD/NRCS employees delivered a conservation education program to first grade students at Wright’s Mill Road Elementary School in Auburn, Alabama.

The presentation involved using the Enviroscape, a table-top model of a watershed.  The presenters  demonstrated the effects of surface runoff and pollution on waterways and water bodies.

The students were attentive as demonstrators described the importance of conservation practices such as conservation tillage on farms, silt fencing on developing land, forestry practices in cut-over timber, and fertilizer and pesticide application on lawns, gardens, pastures, golf courses, etc.

The Enviroscape is a wonderful teaching tool.  Students not only learned the sources and causes of pollution, but also ways to help prevent it.

The students were excited to discover ways they can help implement conservation measures in their own homes and communities. Each student received rulers from the Water Works Board of the City of Auburn and pencils from other sponsors.