Earth Day 2001 Highlights

NRCS' Earth Day--A Big Hit!

More than 220 local students celebrated Earth Day with an NRCS conservation farm tour at Specchio Farms on April 18, 2001. Students visited NRCS scientists and technical specialists at six stations where they learned a number of conservation concepts through hands-on interactive sessions that covered issues including native grasses, wildlife habitat, crop residue management, erosion protection, tree planting, grazing management, grassed waterways, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and soil science.

Many special guests and partners also attended the event including Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Farm Service Agency, the AISWCD, the Champaign County SWCD, and Bill Houlihan from Senator Dick Durbin's office. NRCS' State Conservationist Bill Gradle addressed the students as did IDOA Deputy Director Joan Messina. Gradle and Messina also signed an agreement during the Earth Day celebration, committing to continue to work together in partnership for conservation.

Both students and teachers raved about the days events, many saying that not only did they have fun, but they learned something new. All teachers indicated they were interested in attending future Earth Day events.

"We accomplished our goal," says Gradle. "Educators found new ideas, students had fun and learned about agriculture and conservation, and we were featured on two local television news programs which helps to promote Earth Day even more."

Special thanks to Mike Specchio for the use of his farm for the event, to the operators and staff for their help in preparing the site for the tour, and to all the NRCS staffers who made this happen.

Written by Jill Rees, Public Affairs Specialist

Photographs available upon request. Contact NRCS Communications Specialist Paige Buck at 217/353-6606.