Education and Outreach
Hanover-Caroline SWCD offers many educational programs, which target a variety of audiences. The District employs a full time Education Specialist and is continually expanding its programming for K-12 as well as adult outreach. Staff and Directors also volunteer and participate in programs all around the state that are sponsored by sister Districts or partner agencies.
Education Resources
The District also has a variety of resources available for teachers to borrow and use for classes. Scripts on how to utilize these resources are also available and can be adapted for different age groups. Click here for descriptions. Additionally, staff is available to offer training at teacher in-service days in Hanover & Caroline Counties. For more information or questions on any of these educational opportunities, contact Rebecca Jones, Education Specialist.
Elementary School
AG Day
This annual program is for Hanover County 3rd graders, sponsored by Colonial Farm Credit. It is a hands-on educational field day where students are exposed to the importance and role of the many types of agriculture as well as conservation.
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Administrative Professional Ann Edmonds demonstrates the effects of runoff and cover crops to 3rd grade students.
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Middle School
Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE)
Beginning in 2005, schools must provide a meaningful Bay or stream outdoor experience for every student in the watershed before graduation from high school. The District can assist teachers and students alike with opportunities to develop and participate in local restoration and protection projects, including efforts on school property. This may include but is not limited to developing outdoor classrooms or nature trails that can enhance the learning experience about watersheds.
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District Director Mac Saphir collects a water sample for the Water Quality Testing Station
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The District has worked with Hanover & Caroline County middle school teachers and partnered with the VA Department of Environmental Quality to develop a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience curriculum for Hanover & Caroline Counties, along with a permanent field trip site at the new State Fairgrounds at Meadow Event Park. Our goal is that this opportunity will eventually spread to schools regionally and state-wide. The curriculum and field trip includes studies and activities in biological and chemical water quality monitoring, riparian buffers, wetlands, and urban runoff. The curriculum can be found online.
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Students measure nonpoint source runoff in a parking lot
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Hanover and Caroline County sixth grade students come to Meadow Event Park annually in April and May
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High School
Scholarships
H-C SWCD annually offers scholarships for college bound environmental science, agriculture and horticulture students. The Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts also offers scholarships each year. Scholarship information is sent at the beginning of each year to school guidance counselors.
Youth Conservation Camp: July 8-14, 2012
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Each year, the District sponsors up to four high school students from Hanover and/or Caroline counties to attend this summer conservation camp at Virginia Tech, which is hosted by the Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Check the VASWCD website for more information on Camp.
The 2012 deadline has passed. 2013 information will be posed in January/February.
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2010 Campers
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Forestry Conservation Camp: June 18-23, 2012
The Department of Forestry holds a camp students age 13-16 at Holiday Lake near Appomattox each year. Holiday Lake Forestry Camp is an academic, structured, residential camp that focuses on field experiences in forestry and other natural resources. More information and nomination/scholarship forms can be found at the VA Department of Forestry website.
Envirothon
The Envirothon is a high school natural resources competition, sponsored by Dominion in Virginia and nationally sponsored by Canon. If there is more than one team in Hanover and Caroline, the District holds a local competition in the spring, and the winning team advances to the Area III competition, with a chance to advance to the state and national Envirothon. Teachers interested in coaching a team should contact Rebecca for a Coach's Handbook and available resources. A good overview brochure with 2012 dates can be found here. For more information about Envirothon visit: VASWCD, or Canon Envirothon.
The 2008 Atlee High School Envirothon Team with Coach Dana D’Agostino.
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Team members work together to complete the Aquatics test.
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Other Programs & Outreach
Boy Scout Jamboree
This National program has historically been held every 4 years at Fort A.P. Hill in Caroline County. Since 1981, Hanover-Caroline SWCD has coordinated the Soil & Water Conservation Merit Badge. The 2010 Jamboree marked 100 years of Scouting and the final year the event will be held at Fort A.P. Hill. In 2010, volunteers from Districts all over Virginia saw many of the 45,000 Scouts in the Conservation Environment Area at the Jamboree and helped to provide most or all components of the Soil & Water Conservation Merit Badge to about 600 Scouts!
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Conservation Specialist Jim Tate uses the Stream Table to demonstrate erosion processes
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A station about watersheds and topographic maps was taught by employees of NRCS, one of our partner agencies
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Conservation Specialist Marian Moody teaches Scouts about nonpoint source pollution using the Enviroscape watershed model
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Rain Barrels
In 2008, the District launched a rain barrel campaign. So many home owners have wanted to take advantage of this water saving technique, that we've held one or two sales each year and distributed over 400 rain barrels. Check back for details on 2012 sales. If you are able to find your own barrel, see these simple instructions to construct your own rain barrel!
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A local citizens assembles his rain barrel at a workshop
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Back to the Farm Workshops
A series of workshops, new since 2009, that will target individuals wanting to learn more about farming, perhaps to start their own small operation. Workshops will be offered periodically throughout the year.
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The October 2009 workshop was held at Mt. Olympus Farm in Caroline County and featured a wagon ride around the farm where operator Ken West explained conservation practices
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“Before the Backhoe” Meeting
This is a program geared toward small land disturbers. The meeting is an information session to offer guidance about land clearing regulations to this group of people.
Farm Tours and Field Days
Special agricultural field days and tours offer citizens and producers alike an opportunity to learn about new conservation and production techniques.
Informational Presentations
Staff is often available to speak on conservation topics to local groups such as Ruritan and garden clubs.
Wildlife Boxes
The District offers a variety of locally-made wildlife boxes for sale. Stop by our office to see our inventory! Proceeds benefit our education fund.
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