CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Conservation District held the annual Environmental Conservation Education Teacher Workshop June 22, 23, and 24 for teachers across Alabama. With teachers coming from all different areas of the state, District Administrative Coordinator Kathy Holmes has been dedicated to making this experience wonderful for everyone in attendance.
Holmes shared, “It is a way for teachers to get conservation education back in the classroom so that the students know that Cullman is No. 1 in agriculture. We grow tons of food. I believe we are No. 2 in beef production. We want our students to know at a young age that food does not just happen. We have to appreciate that farmer, we have to protect his/her soil and water, and we are all about the conservation of our natural resources.”
Each year, the National Conservation District distributes a theme for the Conservation Education Workshop and this year, the theme was deemed “Healthy Forests.” The theme is carried through the presenters that are organized as speakers. This year, the workshop was hosted at Camp Meadowbrook, which was a treasured forest before the April 27, 2011, tornadoes, and allowed discussions of how forests can reemerge as nature heals itself over time.
The events for the teachers were laid out in a neat Cullman County Conservation District pamphlet with activities planned each day from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. There were a variety of events such as an Alabama Commodities demonstration by Kathy DeFoor, a walking historic tour throughout Cullman from The Cullman County Museum and a local wildlife demonstration by Jay Eubanks.
“The teachers are having a ball. We give tons of activities, programs and visuals that they can take to the classroom that are all conservation education-based, along with free supplies for them to present these programs,” said Holmes. The group T-shirts distributed to the attending teachers were created at CR Signs in Hanceville, and were designed from the “Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities” logo.
The workshop is sponsored by the Cullman County Commission, local merchants and banks across town. With the assistance of programs such as the Alabama Cooperative Extension from Auburn, The Forestry Association and the local farmers market, the Cullman County Conservation District has been able to provide a wonderful experience for all teachers involved. Even legislators such as State Senator Garlan Gudger, Representative Randall Shedd, Congressman Robert Aderholt and Representative Corey Harbison support the missions of the Cullman County Conservation District.
The Conservation District plans several events for students throughout the year including Land Judging and Forestry Judging for older FFA students, the Water Festival for all fourth graders, Forestry Awareness Week Now for all sixth graders and many more. With teachers taking the lessons they have learned about conservation education and implementing them within their classrooms, students throughout Alabama will have ample opportunity to learn more about the value of nature, their environment and everything there is to be gained.
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