In the spring of 2009, several Howard County agencies and organizations partnered to establish a pilot program entitled, “Our Environment in Our Hands,” for fourth grade students in two Howard County elementary schools.  This trans-disciplinary field experience held at the Howard County Fairgrounds was developed to provide fourth grade students an opportunity to apply and extend their knowledge of objectives learned in Elementary Environmental and Earth Science, Social Studies, and Health Units to important local issues related to these curricula.

Students learned about the history of farming in Howard County and explored how farming conservation practices, monitoring water/stream quality, planting of native species vs. “exotic species”, and composting can preserve and protect the local environment.  They also learned about current farming in Howard County and how including local food products in their daily diets can reinforce healthy eating habits and reduce our “carbon footprint.”

Students were assigned to small groups that rotated between activity stations that included:

• Stream Health:  Water Quality - MacroInvertebrates
• Environmental Impact:  Composting – Native/Invasive Species
• Soil:  History of Farming in Howard County – Best Soil Management Practices; salad tables
• Life in a Stream: MacroInvertebrates and Herpetology (native reptiles and amphibians)

Volunteers make a significant contribution to the overall success of this program.  Many people are needed to ensure the effective implementation of each activity station. 

The 2011 dates for Our Environment In Our Hands*:  May 18, 24 and 26. 

*All volunteers must be present at one of the volunteer training dates: May 11 or May 16 (9am – 12noon).

Volunteers should plan to attend from 8:30 – 3:30pm on the days they volunteer.