Tom Graham 5th Grade Conservation Farm Tour
For 50 years, nearly 500 Holmes County 5th graders have participated in the Tom Graham 5th Grade Conservation Farm Tour. It has become a rite of passage for Holmes County 5th graders. Students visit a working farm and learn about conservation techniques and the importance of protecting natural resources. After the tour, students write an essay about their experience and submit the best from each school for our annual essay contest. East Holmes & West Holmes FFA chapters also sponsor a farm-safety poster contest in conjunction with the tour. Winners are honored at our annual meeting.
The 2017 Tom Graham 5th Grade Conservation Farm Tour will return to Spring Walk Farm, home to the famed Wachtel's Christmas Lights display on September 20, 2017!
Educational Learning Standards
The stops on the Tom Graham 5th Grade Conservation Farm Tour are designed not only to provide students with a working knowledge of modern conservation & its importance, but they are also designed to align with Next Generation Science Standards being used in today's classrooms. In addition, this cross-curricular event aligns with Social Studies, Language Arts, Visual Arts, and Technology standards as well.
Poster Contest Sponsored by Holmes Co FFA chapters
This year's poster contest will be divided into two divisions: a traditional poster category for students to create their own original artwork on 11x17 cardstock and a digital media division for students to create a digital meme, graphic, infographic, etc. about the conservation practices, sustainability principles, farm safety practices, and general knowledge gained at this year's farm tour. Contact our office with any questions.
Essay Contest Sponsored by Holmes SWCD Board
Each year we receive a wide variety of entries for our annual essay contest representing a broad array of writing styles. In an effort to showcase a broader range of student writings, we have elected to divide our essay contest into two divisions: a narrative division for fictionalized, creative writing and an informative division for non-fiction, factual essays. Winners will have their essays featured at our Holmes SWCD Annual Meeting.
Additional background information resources:
Soils Information:
2015: International Year of Soils
Downloadable fact sheets & information about the importance of soils
Natural Resources Conservation Services
Link for teachers to soil resources
National Association of Conservation Districts
Links to educational resources on soil, water, and forestry
Farm Safety Information:
Farm Safety Just for Kids
Numerous classroom links & teacher resources
Ohio State University fact sheets & information on farm safety
Wildlife Information:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Click on the "Recreation" tab and choose "Wildlife"
Forestry Information
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Click on the "Recreation" tab, choose "State Forests" and choose "Forestry Home"
National Association of Conservation Districts
Links to educational resources on soil, water, and forestry
Ohioline
Ohio State University fact sheets & information on forestry
Agriculture Resources
Ohio Farm Bureau
Teacher resources about agriculture