Earth Day 2002 Highlights

Celebrating April 17th and 18th, 2002

Written by Jill Rees, Public Affairs Specialist

Over 500 middle school students from Champaign, Douglas, and Piatt Counties learned how people can live in harmony with the environment at the Habitat, Humans & Harmony Earth Day program on April 17th and 18th. The two-day outdoor classroom was held at Don and Debbi Koeberlein’s conservation farm a few miles east of Pesotum, IL.

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Champaign and Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD’s), and Earth Partners hosted the event to demonstrate to area children how people use the land to meet production needs while maintaining a quality environment.

"We’re here to show kids that every day is Earth Day," said NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle.

Students toured the farm, stopping at stations where professionals from a variety of agencies, organizations and disciplines presented interactive lessons on the environment, wildlife and conservation. Stops included conservation and technology, soil habitats, conservation practices, plant habitats, wildlife, Illinois geology, wetlands and water quality, and even archaeology, to discuss man’s relationship with the land through the ages.

"Our goal is to help students see the ‘big picture’ of conservation," said NRCS District Conservationist Leon Wendte, who delivered the introductory message on the farm tour. "We all enjoy the benefits of a quality environment, and in one way or another, we all can help maintain our environment."

The Koeberlein farm was chosen for this year’s event because of the amount and extent of wildlife habitat on the site. "This is an inspiring example of conservation on a working farm," said Gradle. "Over the years, the Koeberleins have restored many acres of wetlands along the portion of the Embarrass River that meanders through their farm. The Koeberleins are proof of the success farmers can enjoy growing row crops while using conservation practices and maintaining large-scale wildlife habitat," said Gradle.

The Habitat, Humans & Harmony Earth Day event was funded by NRCS, the Champaign County SWCD, and a grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA).

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