Fifth Graders learn about conservation

Rock Hills fifth graders had a perfect fall afternoon, Sept. 30, at the Mankato City Park.

The students learned first hand, the importance of Riparian Areas as Sherry Koster, Jewell County Conservation District manager, presented the Stream Flow Trailer. Students were reminded that the state reptile, the ornate box turtle, can live in riparian areas along streams, rivers and lakes. Stream bank erosion and how to stabilize stream banks was also discussed.

Thad Rhodes, District forester, explained how trees benefit north central Kansas. A large cottonwood, the state tree of Kansas, was the perfect backdrop for this stop on the tour.

Matt Brungart, NRCS soil scientist, showed the Rock Hills students examples of the state soil, Harney Silt Loam and other soil types found in Jewell County.

Brandon Trish, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, brought the always popular skins and skulls display. This gave students an opportunity to feel several different types of pelts, including skunk, raccoon, long-tailed weasel and muskrat.

During the middle of the tour, Austin Heslinga, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill biologist, set up a game of prey versus predator. The students who were the prey learned how hard it can be to survive when habitat for cover, resting and feeding decreases and the number of predators increases! The Jewell County Conservation District provided water bottles after the games of tag.

At the end of the tour, the fifth graders took turns playing corn hole, answering conservation questions and winning prizes. Opportunities for pictures were available too. Rhonda Coffman of the Cloud County Conservation District, provided the corn hole game and photo stops.

Brenda Dooley, Jewell, Jan Boyles, Superior, Amanda Johnson, Mitchell County Conservation District manager, and Austin Heslinga, Pheasants Forever, helped as group sponsors.