Educational Programs

The 2009 Area III Envirothon and Cromwell High School

were both a success!

           

The 15th Annual Area III Southern Region Envirothon was held this year at the Camp Onomia on May 4th.  This is an environmental learning event held outdoors for high school student’s grades 9-12.  The Soil and Water Districts from the southern region of Area III sponsor the Envirothon.  Area III includes the counties of Pine, Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs.

20 teams registered, with 19 participating at this years’ event, bringing approximately 130 students, from 5 different schools.  Students attend five stations in which they are given a short presentation and complete a short test at each station.  This year's stations include: forestry, wildlife, water quality, soils, and a current events station in which the topic was Biodiversity in a Changing World.  Students also attend a sixth station and gave an oral presentation on the current events topic - Biodiversity in a Changing World.

This year's Carlton County participants were: Carlton, Cromwell and Barnum High Schools. 

        

Cromwell High Schools top two teams went on to attend the State Envirothon, which was held at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch near Stewartville, MN on May 18th, and competed with other teams from across the state.  Out of 34 teams, Cromwell Blue came in 12th and Cromwell Red placed 19th.  Way to go Cromwell!

The Carlton County Soil and Water Conservation District would like to thank all of the following local businesses and organizations for their generous donations. Without there support we would not be able to continue the Envirothon each year.

Carlton Chamber of Commerce           Moose Lake Kiwanis                 Lions Club of Carlton

Michaud Distributing                          Sappi/Cloquet Connection          Wood City Riders

Carlton Woodland Agency                  Wal-Mart                                    Twin Lakes Township

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The Soil and Water Conservation Districts coordinate the Area III Envirothon and are always looking for volunteers to help with the event. Area III districts do not receive any designated funding to put on this event and anyone who would like to donate funding, time or supplies to this event is invited to call our office at 384-3891 or the Envirothon Coordinator at the Pine SWCD at (320) 384-7431 for more information.

For more information or to register your team, visit the Board of Water and Soil Resources site at:

 www.bwsr.state.mn.us/outreach/envirothon/index.html

 

South Terrace Outdoor Learning Center of Carlton County

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The South Terrace Outdoor Learning Center of Carlton County (STOLCCC for short) is a cooperative effort between the Carlton County SWCD, Carlton County, and the Carlton School District, with financial support from the MN DNR Lake Superior Coastal Program. The goal of the Carlton School Forest is to provide a multi-use activity trail that will be used by both the school and community to educate and increase awareness about our natural environment. The site provides a unique learning environment, one where cross-curriculum education, peer mentoring, and hands-on activities add to the educational experience of area students and residents. All educational disciplines are encouraged to use this area; science, math, English, physical education, art, history, social studies, and foreign language. In addition, this will be a community area, one that will promote education and physical activity. The trail can be used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and running.

 With Phase 1 of the project nearing completion, the trail system is in and ready for use. Click here to view or print a trail map. The next phase will provide curriculum development and a gathering facility. Stay tuned for more developments in this exciting project. To lend a hand with trail work, contact Brad Matlack at the SWCD office. For information on taking your class or group to the STOLCCC contact BJ Berg at the South Terrace Elementary School.

Environmental Education Curriculum

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In 2002 the Carlton County Soil and Water Conservation District ("SWCD") received a grant from the MN Department of Natural Resources Lake Superior Coastal Program to help bring updated Conservation information to local schools.

In this packet you will find lesson plans and activities for all grade levels. Teachers in the classroom have tried the lessons and activities. The plans are easy to follow and many of the materials are available from the home. Many other lessons and activities can be found on the Internet. See other website listings for more fun lessons and computer activities. In addition to the lessons, valuable local resources are listed in the back of the material. These local resources include conservation-based agencies that can provide speakers, videos and hands-on activities and materials to your school.

This is a very exciting project, linking teachers with the opportunities and information the SWCD and other agencies have to offer. Through the use of our website, we can update this information quickly and make it available to you and your students. We look forward to working with you and your students on conservation in our area.

To Request Curriculum Information, please contact us at (218) 384 - 3891.

Arbor Day

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The 19th annual Arbor Day tree planting was held on May 7th, 2009. 400 seedling trees were planted by 4th grade students from Barnum, Cromwell, Churchill, Esko, Moose Lake, Queen of Peace, Fon Du Lac, and Wrenshall schools on a deforested piece of Carlton County land. Volunteers from Sappi, Kettle River Woodland Advisors and Master Gardeners helped to make the event a success. Fun was had by all! 

Stream Table

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Carlton County Soil & Water has a stream table for demonstration.  We would love to visit your school or organization to provide a FREE demonstration showing how an actual stream bed can erode and be controlled with the proper practices.  To schedule a demonstration, please call our office at (218) 384-3891.  Click on Stream Table Information below to see photos of the stream table.

Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC)

bullet Long Lake is located on 760 acres in North-Central Minnesota, near Palisade, 135 miles from the Twin Cities and 110 miles from St. Cloud. Visit the Long Lake website at www.LLCC.org

        Long Lake Conservation Center                                                     
        28952 438th Lane                                                         
        Palisade, MN 56469
        (2180 768-4653            (800) 450-5522          Email: LLCC@LLCC.org

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Long Lake Conservation Center provides environmental education programs for school groups; ecology-focused summer camps; and retreat facilities for visitors of all ages.

Stream Table Information

 

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