Refugio County eighth graders converged on the Refugio County Fairgrounds recently for Copano Bay Soil and Water Conservation’s 20th annual Earth Science Field Day.

An educational day of fun and learning, ESFD is open to all the county’s eighth graders.

Soil specialists, environmental education specialists, representatives from the Center for Coastal Studies and others set up outdoor learning stations.

The kids were divided into groups and then made the rounds, visiting each outdoor learning classroom to learn everything from compass and pacing to horse-shoeing and agriculture.

The groups break for lunch provided by the district. At the end of the day the groups are tested on the information taught throughout the day.

The winning group receives a team prize. Refugio eighth graders were this year’s winners.

Other lucky students may receive a door prize. No one leaves empty handed as goodie bags are distributed to everyone.

With 409,000 acres of rangeland, 125,000 acres of cropland, 11,000 acres of pasture land and 1,500 acres of wetland in this district, Copano Bay SWCD strives to educate and impress upon the youth the importance of preserving our natural resources through practical methods.

Earth Science Field Day was created 20 years ago to target our young Refugio County residents.

“It is vital to this county that future generations conserve and protect their natural resources,” said J.D. McGuill, board member.

With the help of donations from local businesses and private donors the district outfits students with a T-shirt, snacks, lunch and many, many door prizes.

Each year the district has had 100 percent participation from all three schools in the county. Earth Science Field Day is always well received and well attended.

“Copano Bay SWCD feels a great sense of pride and fulfillment in creating a special educational experience for our Refugio County eighth grade students,” said Ruby Martinez, district tech.