Friday, November 30, 2012

Rescheduled Outdoor Classroom- Meadow & Ropes

Yesterday, fifth grade students from Meadow & Ropes took part in the outdoor portion of the Outdoor Classroom event. The event actually took place in early October, but weather prevented students from participating in the outdoor part of the program.

Buffalo, range lands, natural springs and salt cedar trees were the topics discussed and observed by the fifth grade explorers. Employees of the NRCS and the South Plains UWCD gave presentations throughout the event. In addition to listening and observing their surroundings, students also collected specimens and wrote in their scientific journals.

While exploring is a large part of the Outdoor Classroom event, its main purpose is to help students understand the land and natural resources around them. By collecting specimens, a direct correlation is made between the nature they see and the science they learn in their school's classroom.


The buffalo wanted attention!


Aquifer model demonstration.


What is this type of plant called?


Salt cedar trees are a non-native species. Did you know that?

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Tips


Wishing you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving! 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Ag Career Expo 2012



The Ag Career Expo is a day devoted to agricultural education. Its purpose is to give high school juniors and seniors insight on the opportunities within the agricultural industry. Students from Meadow and Brownfield got the chance to learn about agricultural programs in local universities, as well as career opportunities in the ag field.

Going on its second year, ACE is hosted by the Terry County Extension office in collaboration with ag organizations around the county. With a line up of eight universities and eight career break out sessions, students received a well-rounded look into the agricultural industry.

The colleges and universities in attendance were Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University, Angelo State University, South Plains College, Sul Ross State University, Clarendon College, New Mexico Junior College and WorkForce, which is a job placement program for high school graduates.

Speakers and sessions included:
Minority opportunities- Henry Castillo, Ag Texas
Ag Education- Dr. Lance Keith, West Texas A&M
Ag Technology- Michael Clawson, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
Resource Management- Kegan Crouch & Greg Lindsey, USDA-NRCS
Science and Research- Brent Besler, Syngenta
Ag Communications- Samantha Borgstedt, Texas Alliance for Water Conservation
Trade Skills/Trade School- Raymond Elizondo & Pete Stracener, SPC Industrial Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Departments
Ag Business- Jason Swan, Capital Farm Credit

A portion of the program also covered scholarship opportunities, both locally and statewide. The key take away with scholarships is they are out there and very attainable for applicants who put forth the effort.

Overall, the day was productive and important for the agricultural industry. Students learned about opportunities some never knew existed, while others learned more about their current interests. Thank you to  Brownfield High School for being a great host and for making this event as successful as it was! We all look forward to the program next year.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Permian Basin UWCD 2013 calendar artwork winners

The winners for the PBUWCD 2013 water conservation calendar contest have been selected! Fourth and fifth graders from Elbow, Grady, Sands and Stanton competed to earn a spot on the calendar. With approximately 300 students competing, it was tough competition this year, but the judges chose the top 13. Below is the video slideshow of this year's winners. Calendars will be ready before Christmas break. Thank you to all of those who won and to those who participated.




Elbow Elementary Winners



 Grady Elementary Winners


Sands Elementary Winners



 Stanton Elementary Winners


Llano Estacado UWCD 2013 calendar artwork winners

The 2013 LEUWCD water conservation calendar winners have been selected! Throughout the month of September, the education coordinator gave presentations to the school districts in the Llano Estacado UWCD, which includes Loop, Seagraves and Seminole. Fourth and fifth graders from each school competed with a goal of being featured on the calendar. Out of approximately 450 entries, the top 13 illustrations were selected by the judges. Below is a video slideshow of the winners. Congratulations to all of those who won and to all of those who participated in the 2013 water conservation calendar contest.



Seminole Elementary Winners


Loop Elementary Winners