MONROE — The Green County Land & Water Conservation Department hosted their twice-annual youth conservation day Oct. 6. Buses from all over Green County delivered about 200 students to Honey Creek Park in Monroe, including students from Monticello elementary schools and Monroe’s Parkside Elementary School.
The all-day program educates fifth- and sixth- graders about various environmental topics including soil erosion and movement, forestry, native plant and wildlife, and water quality. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 program was unable to be held but has returned for its eighth year of educating.
Students were able to ask questions to experts in their fields regarding best practices for maintaining a healthy and safe environment. The day was broken into two rotations with two presentations in between. The morning included water critters with Tonya Gratz of the Green County Land & Water Conservation Department, fish management with Camille Bruhn and Jim Amrhein of the Wisconsin DNR, wildlife management with Cassandra Young of the Wisconsin DNR, prairies with Austin Loeffelholz of the Green County Land & Water Conservation Department, and watersheds with Susan Lehnhardt of the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association.
Wisconsin is home to approximately 1,800 species of native plants and close to 700 species of native vertebrates. With deciduous forests, boreal forests and temperate grasslands, Wisconsin is rich in biodiversity and has a wealth of species and natural communities. However, over 400 wildlife species in Wisconsin are in trouble or at risk of becoming endangered, according the Wisconsin DNR. Small practices like fixing a leak can save 10,000 gallons of water a year. Household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide.
Conservation day held two presentations midday, one from Pat Holmstrom on beekeeping, and the other was Native American artifacts with Jim Beer. Beer started the Annual Indian Artifact Show alongside Ralph Hammerly and Paul Severson. The Badger State Archaeological Society will hold its 42nd show on Sunday, Oct. 24 at the Monticello school.
The afternoon rotation consisted of soil conservation with Tonya Gratz and Austin Loeffelholz of the Green County Land & Water Conservation Department, wildlife calls with Bob Blankenhorn, Norm Williams and Jim Bauman of the Green County Conservation League, invasive species with Matt Wallrath of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, soil composition with Kevin Trasstad of the Natural Resources Conservation Science, and Forestry with Josh Trame of the City of Monroe.
Students were able to experiment with soil movement and see different colors and layers of the Earth. Sink holes, while less common in Wisconsin due to the bedrock soil, are more common in southern Wisconsin than the rest of the state.
Students also learned of species that have inhabited local land and driven away native species. Queen Anne’s Lace can be seen along roadsides all over Green County but it’s quick seeding dispersal Anne’s lace can easily inhabit areas of local species, take their resources and block their growth. Similar to Anne’s lace both in appearance and invasive habits, wild parsnip can take over areas with ease. Removal of this species is harder as its sap can cause rashes.
Honey Creek Park provided a resourceful location as it’s lands already hold many native species and animals discussed during the programs. Students learned conservation practices that could be used in their own backyard. Students also learned about the Green County Conservation League’s fully funded week of camp at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station run by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In order to attend, students submit a small essay on why they would like to go. The camp is designed to develop a fondness and appreciation for the outdoors and shape responsible citizens and future conservation leaders. For more information contact, Jim Bauman.
The next Youth Conservation Day for remaining area fifth-graders to attend will be held in May. There are two dates held each year for scheduling flexibility for schools to attend. For more information, contact Tonya Gratz with the Green County Land and Water Conservation Department at 608-325-4195 ext. 121.
