PAULDINGÂ COUNTY 5th grade GREEN DAY
The annual GREEN Day event for all the 5th grade students in Paulding County was held this past Friday, September 27 at the Black Swamp Nature Center and the Paulding County Fairgrounds. The Growing Resources in Education Exploration in Nature Field Day rotated approximately 250 kids and teachers through 10 educational stations throughout the day, experiencing presentations from field experts on a variety of natural resource and conservation topics. This program is organized by Paulding Soil & Water Conservation District and is designed to get kids outside and connected to nature. Decades of research support the concept of daily play outside, in nature, is so important for the growth, health, and development of children. Exposing kids to nature and fostering an appreciation of the outdoors is also important for the conservation and protection of natural resources.
Ohio State University Water Quality Extension Associates discussed pollution run-off and how that affects water quality while the kids make their own “Lake in a Bag.” Soil Health, erosion and land formations were also part of the days’ activities. Kids got to participate in a hands-on erosion table demonstration and also played with an Augmented Reality Sandbox, which is a hands-on exhibit combining a real sandbox, and virtual topography technology. It teaches geographic, geologic, and hydrologic concepts. Touching pelts as kids learned about wildlife native to our area is always a favorite session. Kids also learned about the importance of the forestry industry and the everyday products that trees give us. They also participated in games that demonstrated the critical dangers that invasive species play in our ecosystem and the plight of the monarch butterfly. Kids also immersed themselves in nature as they walked in the woods and identified various trees, plants, and wildlife.
Participants are always excited to visit the ODNR Wildlife Officers and their stations from area counties. They worked with the kids introducing them to archery, and gun safety at their stations and got some practice in casting for fishing as well. These activities help expose kids to outdoor activities that they might not otherwise get the opportunity to experience and teaches them safe practices in the learning experience.
Participants were given a t-shirt and lunch, made possible by generous community sponsors including Van Wert County Foundation, Cooper Farms, Mink Solar, Paulding Putnam Operation Round Up, Holcim, Bob Sinn & Son’s Farms, and many more! Flatrock Dairy donated milk for the kids and Ag Credit Paulding donated bottled water.
Organizers are incredibly grateful for the Paulding High School FFA students, volunteers, presenters, and sponsors of this event, for without them, it would not be possible.
