Houston County Sixth Graders Day at Winnebago Springs

Winnebago Springs welcomed 210 students for the annual Sixth Grade Environmental Day on October 15.

Nestled in the hills just outside Caledonia along Winnebago Creek, the scenic venue offered students an ideal setting for hands-on environmental learning.

“The best classroom and the richest classroom are roofed only by the sky.” -Margaret McMillan

Janice Messner, Root River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) administrative assistant, shared that Terry Nelson, the event’s founder, made a guest appearance and was introduced to the students during the opening.

She explained that Nelson and fellow teacher Gary Glasrud started the event approximately 36 years ago. At first, it was an overnight adventure for Spring Grove sixth graders. After the third year, Root River SWCD began coordinating the program, which then became a one-day event.

Nelson shared, “It just kind of pulls on your heartstrings.”

“Since the start of the event, approximately 7,500 students have been through this program,” said Messner. “We now have students who have been through the program as sixth graders coming back to the event as presenters and teachers.”

This year, students attended from Spring Grove Public School, Houston Elementary School, La Crescent-Hokah Middle School, Caledonia Middle School, St. Mary’s School and Crucifixion Elementary School.

The sessions were led by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Conservationist Chris Papenfuss, Area Soil Scientist Stuart Veith, and District Conservationist Ryan Hytry; Whitewater State Park Naturalist Jeremy Darst; Amanda Gentry of the Winona County Soil & Water Conservation District; Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist Zack Glaunert; Minnesota Department of Agriculture Hydrologist Keven Kuehner; and DNR Fisheries staff Vaughn Snook and Gavin Bauer of Lanesboro.

Two new presenters this year were Lydia Bashaw, a naturalist from Beaver Creek State Park, and Kris Ryan, a Houston County conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Throughout the day, students rotated through eight interactive stations, averaging 16 to 32 students per group. Each session focused on a different topic, giving students a chance to explore a variety of environmental issues and skills.

Topics included soils; ATV safety and the role of a conservation officer; learning to live with rattlesnakes; aquatic invasive species; wildlife; quail habitat; groundwater, geology, and fossils; and electrofishing streams.

Students enthusiastically shared what they had learned, with the rattlesnake and fish stations emerging as clear favorites.

“It’s fun, and I’m learning a lot. I especially like the rattlesnakes and fish,” said Gwen of Crucifixion.

“I learned about rattlesnakes and why the babies can be more dangerous,” said Nadia of Crucifixion.

“They used electricity to catch the fish,” said Izzy of Crucifixion.

“I learned about rattlesnakes and that they are dangerous,” said Bayden of Caledonia Middle School.

“The day has been fun and interesting, especially the rattlesnake and fishing stations,” said William Kindermann of La Crescent-Hokah Middle School.

Lunch was a welcome break, but the students ate quickly so they could spend the rest of the period running and playing with classmates. After a full day outdoors, many likely headed home tired – and some may even have fallen asleep on the bus ride back to school.