Benton SWCD Education Activities

Foley Fun Days - 60th Anniversary The Benton SWCD celebrated it's 60th Anniversary by participating in the 2008 Foley Fun Days Parade. The Benton SWCD began in 1948 to protect and enhance Benton County's soil, water, and other natural resources; to nurture a conservation ethic by educating county residents on conservation and environmental issues. Pictured left: (back row) Tiffany Babich, Katie Evans, and , (middle row) Pam Kuhn and Annie Felix, (front row) , Kayla Boehmke, Carter Kuhn, and Erik Riedeman. Volunteers not pictured include Mike McMillin, Barb Zeroth, Katelyn Zeroth, Connor Kuhn and Tracy Riedeman. The Benton SWCD pulled a tree planter, which was donated to the District from the Rice Sportsmen's Club, and the PLOTMASTER and trailer, which was donated by the Rice Area Sportsmen's Club, the Benton/Mille Lacs Chapter of Pheasants Forever, and the Benton Chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation. Native seed packets were donated by Prairie Restorations Inc. of Princeton and were handed out during the parade. The 4-wheelers used in the parade were donated for use by the Honda House of St. Cloud, and the trees were donated for use by Pete and Karen Svihel of Foley. Benton SWCD Tour of Practices The 2007 Benton SWCD Tour of Practices focused on practices that improve water quality. Practices showcased included prescribed grazing plans, irrigation water management, irrigation pivot conversion, grassed waterways, wetland restorations, nutrient management, residue management, and more. As part of the 2007 Tour of Practices, attendees were also shown how the Benton SWCD collects water data for the Little Rock Creek TMDL Study. Annie Felix, SWCD Water Plan Technician, is shown here presenting the different materials that are used to collect water data.

Senior & Junior Envirothon The Minnesota Association of Conservation District Employees (MACDE) of Area IV sponsors the Senior (grades 9-12) and Junior (middle school) Envirothons. Students work in teams and visit 5-6 learning stations and answer 20 questions at each station. The 2008 Senior Envirothon will be held on May 1, 2008 and the Junior Envirothon will be held on May 8, 2008. Both will be located at the Arboretum in Chaska, MN. For more information about the Senior or Junior Envirothons, or information regarding registering, please contact the Benton SWCD (320) 968-5300 Ext. 3. The 2006 Envirothon Foley Team is pictured.

Poster & Essay Contest
Each year the Benton SWCD participates in the Conservation Poster & Essay Contest. The 2008 theme was "Trees - Rooted in our Future." Pictured above are contest winners from Sauk Rapids - Rice Middle School. Listed below are all the Benton County Winners. Congratulations to all winners and thank you to all who participated in this year's contests!

Posters
1st Place - Bethany Rahm, St. Johns Elementary School, Mrs. Johnson
2nd Place - Abby Monroe, Foley Intermediate School 6th Grade, Mrs. Wruck
3rd Place - Jaimie Studenski, Foley Intermediate School 6th Grade, Mr. Boshart
4th Place - Courtney Adelman, Foley Intermediate School 6th Grade, Mrs. Kipka

Murals
1st Place - Kalley Barringer & Rhiannon Nicoll, Sauk Rapids - Rice Middle School, Mrs. Larson
2nd Place - Bradi Busse & Sabrina Palacio, Pleasantview Elementary, Mrs. Burski

Essays
1st Place - Lindsey Johnson, Sauk Rapids - Rice Middle School, Mrs. Lahr
2nd Place - Jennifer Rasmussen, Sauk Rapids - Rice Middle School, Mr. Kipka
3rd Place - Grant Henry, Foley Intermediate School 5th Grade, Ms. McLean
4th Place - Breana Burgraff, Sauk Rapids - Rice Middle School, Mrs. Lahr

1st through 3rd Place poster winners and 1st through 2nd Place mural winners will advance to Area IV judges, and if they are selected at the Area level, they will compete at the State level. Good luck to all the winners!
Environmental Education Days
The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge hosts Environmental Education Days for local 5th grade students to attend and listen to presentations regarding ground water, soil, wildlife, fire safety, and more. The Benton SWCD and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have participated in teaching local students at this event.

Pat Gehling, NRCS District Conservationist, is shown here teaching students about soils and effects of wind and water erosion.
Soil & Water Stewardship Week
The Benton SWCD participates and coordinates with local churches in Benton County for Soil & Water Stewardship Week which is observed the last Sunday in April though the first Sunday in May. This observance is celebrated to help remind people of their individual responsibility to care for our soil and water resources.

The 2008 Stewardship theme is "Water is Life." For more information, please contact Pam Kuhn at the Benton SWCD office.