Mike Parker: Gunboat Association, partners host April 1 environmental education day
The Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum (the Gunboat Association) has partnered with the NC Cooperative Extension in Lenoir County, the Kinston Fire Department, the Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary, and other community organizations to host an environmental education day at the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial on April 1.
“You can also lend a hand to help plant in our interpretive garden!” said Rachel Kennedy, Historic Interpreter and Program Coordinator. “Our staff will be working in the garden and talking about how the plants and techniques for gardening have changed since the 18th century.”
This event is free, thanks to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q sponsorship.
“The Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum (Gunboat Association) received sponsorship from Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q last year for all the eighth-grade students in Lenoir County to attend an environmental education program at the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial,” Kennedy said. “However, the field trip had to be rescheduled due to weather. Unfortunately, we could not coordinate a time that worked for the NC Cooperative Extension and Lenoir County Public Schools.
“Keith Hayes and I spoke with Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to see if they were okay with sponsoring our fourth-grade field trip and hosting an environmental education program on a Saturday. The program, which is open to the public, will be held from 10 am until 1 pm on April 1.”
The Lenoir County Cooperative Extension will lead the following displays and activities: Paige (Horticulture)- Importance of Pollinators; Kelly (FCS)- Herbs & uses – sustainable cooking; Kaelyn (Livestock) – animal waste & environment; Alyssa (Farm Safety) – weather safety; Velvet (PAT) – recycled crafts for kids; Jordan (Field Crops) – soil and crops; Abbigail (4-H) – energy or whatever is needed, environment.
The local Master Gardeners will share tips on types of plants and gardening.
The Kinston Fire Department will bring its fire safety house, and Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary will bring some animal ambassadors. The staff from the CSS Neuse Museum will be on-site working in the new interpretive garden.
Hands-on activities will be available for all children.
What are the benefits of participating in this event?
“Research shows that learning outside the classroom, which is one of the key determinants of nature education, encourages intrinsic motivation to learn in children and youth, which is a key factor contributing to better academic achievement and independence development,” according to Adria Jovana Dragic May of the World Wildlife Federation.
An environmental education day highlights the importance of a form of learning that enables individuals to explore the state of nature, identify environmental problems, and be actively involved in solving those problems.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Rachel Kennedy at rachel.kennedy@ncdcr.gov or the site at 252-526-9600, ext. 221.
Mike Parker is a columnist for Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
