30th Annual Ecological Field Day held in Sutton County
story by Jaime Tankersley
For 30 years the Sawyer Family of Sonora, Texas have opened the ranch gates and allowed thousands of 6th grade students from Sutton and Edwards County to spend a day learning the value of our natural resources, and this year is no exception. Over 80 students attended the event that is organized and sponsored by the Edwards-Plateau Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
The day was filled with educational sessions including: plant identification, benefits of a prescribed burn, soils, wind/water erosion, livestock handling/care/grazing, and more natural resources conservation.
This event marks one of the longest running youth field days of its kind. Thousands of students have entered the gates to the Sawyer Ranch, and left with a better understanding of their impact on society.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Sutton Underground Water District, Texas AgriLife Extension, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Farm Bureau and the Sawyer family were all part of this year's presentations and group sessions.
"For some children, this is their only contact with agriculture, and they will have a better understanding on where we obtain food and fiber," said Susan Bloodworth, Edwards-Plateau SWCD director. "The Sawyers are very kind to have donated their ranch and facilities for the education of our local youth."
For more information about the SWCD's local efforts, contact them at the USDA-Service Center located at 301 South Crockett Avenue, or call them at 325-387-2730.
Cliff Kinnibrugh, agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, explains the harsh effects of erosion to a group of students during the 30th Annual 6th-Grade Ecological Field Day.
Tom Peyton, with the Sonora Natural Resources Conservation Service, speaks to over 80 elementary students during the Edwards-Plateau Soil and Water Conservation Districts annual field day.
The 30th Annual 6th-Grade Ecological Field Day offered a variety of conservation education. NRCS soil scientist, Amanda Bragg discusses soils with students.
Over 80 students were part of the Edwards-Plateau Soil and Water Conservation Districts 30th Annual Ecological Field Day held on the Sawyer Ranch in Sutton County.