Students learn about conservation

Crockett County—The Crockett County Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS hosted their 35th 6th Grade Conservation Field Day on Oct. 18. The all-day event was presented at Jack and Jodi Baggett’s ranch, 12 miles south of Ozona. 

The weather couldn’t have been better for the 42 students who attended with 4 teachers and the bus driver. Two home-schooled students also participated this year.

Upon arrival, the kids were divided into four groups to explore different learning stations. There were seven stations in total, focused on the conservation of natural resources. Additionally, 29 others attended with the students for a total of 71. 

Ian Witt with Texas Parks & Wildlife organized a game called ‘Oh Deer!’ to teach the students about different wildlife habitats and the benefits of wildlife management. The game helped students understand how the habitat of one species is connected to other species and how interwoven people are with their natural surroundings.

Slate Williams with the Crockett County Groundwater Conservation District explained where Ozona and the county get water from. He spoke about pumping from the aquifer groundwater into homes. His office is responsible for measuring groundwater at various locations around the county, which helps determine the health of the underground. The students know to conserve when and where they can to maintain a healthy water supply.

Dawson Owens with Texas A&M AgriLife worked a station that featured different animals and he discussed the products that come from each.

Chris Wolfenbarger, the district conservationist with NRCS, hosted a station about plant identification, plant properties and benefits.

Amanda Bragg with NRCS discussed different types of soils and the characteristics of each. She also demonstrated water erosion by utilizing different plants and growing conditions.

Mandy Stanford with NRCS showed the students aerial maps. She taught the kids how to transfer the map imagery to real objects on the ground such as fences, water troughs, tanks, and food sources. The students learned about the needs of both livestock and wildlife while the aerial maps helped them to see where these things are located to help sustain the animals.

Anthony Munoz with the Farm Bureau provided the kids with fun facts about the products that affect their daily lives, where they come from, and how they relate to conservation. 

The directors had a good time cooking burgers for everyone. By lunch, everyone was ready to take a break from feeding their minds and take time to feed their bellies. The directors, presenters, and teachers helped on the serving line. 

The students received goody bags at the end of the day which contained more conservation information items.

Ozona Bank supplied cases of water for the day. Although the weather was cooler, the kids were thirsty. Five members of the bank spent the day with the students.

The kids deserve some praise, because at the end of the day when everyone left, there was not one piece of trash on the property. The students were already putting conservation in place by not littering.

The 6th Grade Conservation Field Day was a fun day the kids will remember for many years. The event helps students understand the need for the conservation of natural resources.