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Click on topics to learn more about the Muskingum SWCD Education programs
Conservation Education programs help people of all ages understand and appreciate our country's natural resources and how to conserve those resources for future generations. Through educational experiences and hands-on activities, conservation education enables people to realize how natural resources and ecosystems affect each other and how resources can be used wisely. The Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District is offering college scholarships for local high school seniors that plan to attend college in the fall of 2008. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who plan to attend a two or four year accredited college. The deadline is July 1, 2008. Camp Adventure: Camp was held this year at Blue Rock State Park on June 19 and 20, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Envirothon Click here for more information about Envirothon Contests! The Envirothon is a competitive event for local high school students. The Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water Conservation sponsor the competition. The program tests student's knowledge in five categories: soil, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology, and current environmental issues. The mission of the Area 3 Envirothon Committee is "To heighten the awareness and importance of our natural environment by providing students with experience in environmentally oriented activities to enable them to become environmentally aware, action oriented adults." In 2008, seven teams from local high schools represented Muskingum County! Students from Philo High School, West Muskingum High School, Mid-East Career and Technology Center and John Glenn High School participated in the event. The Tri-County Envirothon was held in April in Muskingum County at the Flory Park in Licking County.
The Mid-East Career and Technology, Junior Team (pictured left) came in first place in the Area and will compete in the state competition in June, 2008. Team members include: Katelyn Tanner, Travis Archer, Patrick Piecynski, Nathen Lee, and Travis DeVault. The team was accompanied by their instructor Mr. Brian Wilfong. Congratulations to our area youth!
Camp Adventure 2008
Ohio Forestry CampEach year the District will sponsor up to two students to attend the Ohio Forestry Camp. The Camp is open to students who are at least 15 years old and have completed the 8th grade. The camp focuses on tree identification, silviculture and ecology and is taught by professional foresters. Classroom Presentation TopicsOur Education Specialist, Nicole Hafer, is available to present hands-on activities to Muskingum County classrooms free of charge. In order to accommodate the increase in requests for conservation classroom presentations and to enable her to visit more classrooms, there will be a limit to the number of programs each grade can schedule per school for the 2008-2009 school year. Each grade level will be able to schedule a total of four presentations each school year.New School Programs! The following classroom presentations can be adapted to fit different grade levels:Check back August 2008 for updated 2008-2009 program topics including new curriculum for middle and high school classrooms.Current 2008-2009 School Program Topics: Reptiles and Amphibians – Discover the wonders of these groups of animals and the role they play in a healthy ecosystem. This program also discusses their declining population worldwide and the importance of biodiversity. Live animals are utilized during this presentation.
Changing the Land – Students compare historical aerial photographs with current aerial photographs to determine what factors influence land use decisions, the impact of different land uses in an area and future changes in land use and their effects. Activities include discussion of human impact on natural environments and carrying capacity within those environments.
Enviroscape Demonstration – A land use model of a watershed demonstrating the effects of the surrounding land use on water quality. Students learn about non-point source pollution and the best methods to manage our land so as to protect our water resources.
Watersheds and the Water Cycle – Students become water molecules and go on an incredible journey through the water cycle. They record their journey and identify the states of water while on their journey.
Soils – This program was developed to meet the Science Content Standards’ third grade soil requirement. Students learn about soil composition, formation and the importance of soil conservation.
Our Ohio Mammals – Students learn about the life histories of many common Ohio mammals by examining their skulls, fur and tracks. This program discusses the change in the populations of many of these animals as well as endangered species in the state from past to present.
Bats and Our Forests – Back by popular demand! This program examines the importance of these amazing and valuable animals and their unique roll in forest ecology.
Fall Forestry – Learn why leaves change colors and how trees prepare for winter. Students also learn how to identify several common Ohio tree species by their branch arrangement. Available August through October.
Food Webs and Forest Ecology—This exciting new presentation meets academic content standards for life sciences in the 5th grade. Students experience the interdependence of plants and animals in a forced ecosystem and how living things adapt to changes in their ecosystems.
Christmas Trees – Discover fun facts about Christmas tree farming in Ohio and learn to identify several common evergreens using a dichotomous key. Available during the month of December.
Weathering and Erosion – Our Earth is constantly changing! In this program, students learn about the processes of weathering and erosion and their impact on our landscape.
The Wild Turkey – Students learn about this interesting game bird and how they have returned to Ohio after years of absence. Activities include a game, turkey calls and a fun craft.
*****Programs for our younger audience, developed for pre-k through first grade students include:
Dirt Made My Lunch – Students experience the ingredients of soil and the connection between the foods we eat and the soil where they originated. Very interactive!
The Amazing Eastern Box Turtle – Students get up close and personal with Ohio’s only land turtle. Activities include a story, live turtles and a fun craft to transform students into turtles.
Please schedule early to ensure we are able to visit your classroom in the upcoming school year.
Available Teacher ResourcesOur office has a variety of resources available to teachers to help supplement the curriculum. We offer a variety of publications and fact sheets as well as many great ideas for bringing nature into your classroom. Specialty trunks are available on a one week loan basis and include complete interactive activities for your classroom. Our loaner trunks include: Weather, Forestry and Animal Tracks (includes molds and tract activities). Contact Education Specialist Nicole Hafer @ 454-2027 to schedule classroom programs or to reserve a trunk. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 2008
Area 3 Envirothon event was held in Monroe County at the
Shadow Lake. With 51 teams
participating the competition was a great learning
opportunity for Area 3 high school students. 
!
