ith the temperate spring weather, outside activities and programs have been a highlight for the month of April. This month, I was able to present at the Girard Ag Day. This event pulls in a variety of speakers to teach nearly 500 area youth about different aspects of agriculture. James Coover and I provided lessons on common Kansas crops.
I also hosted my final two youth wildlife programs at the Parsons arboretum. The topics this month were wildlife habitat and Kansas birds. Rob Riggin with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism showcased the wide variety of habitat around the arboretum grounds and talked about different habitat needs for different wildlife species. The students enjoyed looking at the wetlands, pond and native grass area. Chuck Otte with Geary County Extension also came down to teach the youth about birds and how to recognize them by sight and sound. He provided binoculars and a checklist for birds in our area. The students really enjoyed the activity and gained a new appreciation for birds.
In addition, I have worked in several schools across the district to provide a variety of programs. I offered guidance and lessons on the FFA crops judging contest to local high schools. I taught a grains lesson as part of our “Bread in a Bag” activities to the Cherryvale third graders. We also had a group make butter in addition to the bread. I was also able to work with Katie Townsend to provide a corn lesson to Cherryvale kindergarten and sixth graders. The students were able to gain new knowledge about the crops in our area and where their food comes from.
This month has been very full of increasing the knowledge of agriculture to youth across the district. I have enjoyed working with a variety of students and being able to offer a variety of programs that will benefit them in their futures.
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Wildcat District wishes the best for Jeri Geren. Due to Jeri's departure, we have opened a position for Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources. Please see P. 35 for more information.