Photo 1 caption: George Poe, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Forester shows students how to identify Illinois tree species.

Approximately 1,200 third-graders from Lee and Ogle Counties in northern Illinois learned how to care for and respect the environment at Outdoor Stewardship Days on October 2 and 3.

The Lee and Ogle County Soil and Water Districts (SWCDs) host the annual outdoor classroom in Dixon's Lowell Park as a partnership venture with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and a variety of other agencies, organizations, and individual volunteers.

"Every third grade class in the two-county area attends this event," said Ogle County Resource Conservationist Brian Lindquist.

A variety of natural resource professionals delivered 27 learning stations with demonstrations and hands-on activities. Students learned about water quality, soil conservation, forestry, wildlife habitat, recycling, fisheries, and Native American history and artifacts. At the Birds of Prey station, NRCS District Conservationist Jim Ritterbusch used taxidermy owls and raptors to show the beaks and talons characteristic of these expert hunters. SWCD Education Coordinator Nancy Anderson led groups of students on a nature walk through the woods. The soils stop featured NRCS Soil Conservationist Joe Sullivan, who pulled soil samples from increasing depths, pointing out the color, texture and composition of each layer.

"It’s always a nice, well-run event," said Ann Ganong, third grade teacher from Eswood Elementary School who returns with her class each year. "My students remember the lessons from Outdoor Stewardship Days, and we talk about it in class throughout the year," said Ganong.

Photo 2 caption: NRCS District Conservationist Jim Ritterbusch shows students common Illinois bird species and how they hunt.