Dan Rhodes, from Bradford County Conservation District, was instrumental in helping to put together a valuable day of learning for our students. Students were able to participate in eight conservation stations. At each station, community volunteers shared their special knowledge with the students.
Rich Davis, a bat expert, came to share his experience with bats. He explained that White Nose Syndrome is actually caused by a fungus and is affecting the bats in our area. He discussed the benefits of the bats in our environment and the fact that one bat can eat over 1,000 mosquito sized insects per hour when feeding at night.
James Wood, from Susquehanna Bee Keepers Association, came in to talk about honey bees. He brought in numerous examples and things for the students relating to the bees. He talked of the value of each bee and how the bees work for their Queen. He explained to the students about pollination and how this process occurs and how bees help to produce the fruit the students like to eat and the flowers they like to smell. He also brought in a bee keepers suit and showed how people keep bees to collect honey and use their wax for candles.
Nicole Harris came from Mt. Pisgah to share information on the park, nature, picnics and other things that can be experienced at the State park, like a pool. She did a presentation on animal tracks and how animal tracks found in mud and snow can tell a story. Then she had students stamp their own story using animal tracks from various animals found in Pennsylvania.
Karen Evangelisti, from Claverack, came in to share information about energy education. She shared how electricity flows into your home and various ways the students can reduce energy costs and help to save on the electric bill. She also discussed the different types of light bulbs and how each type can make a difference in energy consumption.
Eric Kelly represented the Pennsylvania Game Commission. He brought in different animal pelts from around our state. He played a trivia game with the students focused on identifying the various kinds of pelts. The students enjoyed the game and learned about what animals live around us in Pennsylvania.
Paul Yoachim, from the Farm Bureau, did a presentation on Pigs and People. He explained to students about raising pigs and the intelligence of a pig. He shared different uses for pigs besides for food and how pigs are used in medicines and kept as pets. He also shared information about the different 4-H programs involving pigs.
The Bradford County Conservation District was represented at Conservation Day. They brought different examples of bugs from the wetlands near their office. Students had to search the specimens and then help to identify them. Students learned some of the insects live in our creeks and streams.
The agricultural team from Bradford County Conservation also presented a demonstration on soil that showed the effect of erosion and some ways to prevent it. They also talked to the students about how water moves around our land and reviewed the water cycle.
Towanda Area Elementary School appreciated all of the volunteers who gave their time to make Conservation Day a wonderful learning experience for our fifth graders.