The Outdoors Come Alive for Houston County Sixth Graders

Sixth graders from Houston County schools enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Winnebago Springs, where they learned about their environment, conservation programs, and careers in conservation. The surrounding hills, just beginning to turn colors, provided a picturesque backdrop for hands-on learning.

“Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved.” Dr. Jane Goodall

The Root River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) hosted the annual Sixth Grade Environmental Day on September 30, from 9:10 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. Participating schools  were Houston Public School, La Crescent-Hokah Public Schools, St. John’s Lutheran School, Crucifixion Elementary School, and Spring Grove Public School.

“The success of Sixth Grade Environmental Day stems from an idea that worked for Terry Nelson, then a teacher at Spring Grove Public School, 35-plus years ago. The annual event would not be possible without the partnerships that have been developed over the years with various environmental agencies. The presenters are passionate about the environment and want to share their knowledge with the sixth graders of Houston County. It takes a teacher’s dedication, a community’s involvement, love, and desire to make anything a success. This event is something the sixth graders look forward to and remember for years later,” said Janice Messner, Root River SWCD administrative assistant.

The 24-minute sessions were led by volunteer presenters from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Whitewater State Park, Winona County SWCD, Root River SWCD, Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), and Minnesota DNR Fisheries-Lanesboro. 

Presenters included Soil Conservationist Chris Papenfuss, Area Soil Scientist Stuart Veith, District Conservationist Ryan Hytry, Conservation Officer Calli Weber, Naturalist Jeremy Darst, Conservation Technician & Outreach Coordinator Abbi Hoffman, Technician/Conservation Planner Dan Wermager, Farm Bill Biologist Zack Glaunert, Hydrologist Kevin Kuehner, Fisheries Technician Gavin Bauer, and Fisheries Area Supervisor Melissa Wagner.

Throughout the day, 247 students rotated through eight interactive stations, averaging 28 to 34 students per group. Each session focused on a different topic, giving students a chance to explore a variety of environmental issues and skills.

Students learned about soil health, ATV safety, what conservation officers do, coexisting with rattlesnakes, aquatic invasive species, forestry, quail habitat, groundwater, geology and fossils, and electro-shocking streams. 

At the electro-shocking stream stations, students were asked who owns the stream. After several nearly correct answers, the presenters shared the answer: everyone owns the steams. The lesson emphasized the shared responsibility of protecting natural resources. Students were encouraged to touch the fish that were caught during the demonstration, an experience that sparked excitement and curiosity. 

A lunch break gave students a chance to rest, recharge and socialize.  Many used the time to cool off in the shade, play basketball, or run off extra energy before returning to afternoon sessions.

The sixth graders also impressed the instructor with thoughtful and sometimes humorous questions. They were very interested in knowing how much money the presenters made. They asked questions such as: How much do you make per hour? How many hours do you work? What is the longest day you have worked? Others asked lighter questions, such as, “Can you do a wheelie on your 4-wheeler?”

Sophia Schroeder from Caledonia summed up what she learned, “I learned that not all snakes are venomous and want to kill you.” Her comment reflected the mix of surprise, discovery, and relief that many students felt throughout the day.

The annual Environmental Day sparked curiosity, built awareness, and inspired Houston County’s sixth graders to become tomorrow’s conservation leaders.