Sixth Grade Conservation Day

Every year since 1987 the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District has invited the 6^th grade classes from the schools in the county to learn more about the natural resources in the county. This annual “Conservation Day” helps to expose the students to many environmental topics in Fillmore County.

Throughout the years presentations have included:
Forestry, Water Resources, Geology, Electrical Safety, Agricultural Conservation Practices,
Recycling, Snakes, Mushrooms, and Agricultural History, amongst many more.

It was a beautiful fall day for the Fillmore SWCD 6^th grade Conservation Tour. Held October 2, 2025, at Forestville State Park.

With approximately 145 Students from Fillmore Central, Kingsland and Rushford Peterson our day was busy and exciting. Our organizer Aaren Mathison does a great job setting up the presenters, schedule, and sections for the kids. The sections allow the presenters a smaller group to speak, demonstrate and get all their questions answered.

Our presenters this year were from Mi Energy, University of Minnesota- Extension, DNR Fisheries, DNR Forestry, DNR State Parks featuring Bats and Snakes. Students learned about topics including natural resource conservation, various snakes in our area, bats, fish, forestry, and the importance of electrical hook up, usage and the advanced technology used to assist the workers.

Thank you, to the schools that participate, Kids, Teachers, Aids, Bus drivers, Erin Boettcher (Pheasants Forever) and Theresa Baker (Fillmore SWCD staff).

Previous Years

October 3, 2024, marked Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation Districts 37^th year of offering the Fillmore County 6^th Graders to come and spend the day at Forestville State Park and learn about natural resources with in our county.

This year we had approximately 128 students from Fillmore Central, Kingsland and Rushford-Peterson schools. The kids were divided up into six sections, which then allowed our six presenters a chance to speak to smaller groups and put on their demonstrations.

We had presenters from: University of Minnesota – Extension; Mi Energy; DNR Fisheries; DNR Foresty; DNR State Parks; and Historic Forestville. Students learned about topics including: natural resource conservation, snakes, fish, forestry, drones and historical practices in Fillmore County.

Throughout the years presentations have included: Forestry, Water Resources, Geology, Electrical Safety, Agricultural Conservation Practices, Recycling, Snakes, Mushrooms, and Agricultural History, amongst many more.

On Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 there were approximately 100 students from Kingsland and Fillmore Central schools that attended. Presenters for 2022 Sixth Grade Conservation Day were:

Rebecca Lofgren – Historic Forestville
Katie Drewitz – U of M Extension
Vaughn Snook – MN DNR Fisheries
Karin Nilsen – MN DNR Snakes
Angela Yuska – MN DNR Forestry
Kelsey Moe – Project Wild
Cassie Boland – Bird Conservation

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On September 21, 2021 there were approx. 120 students from Fillmore Central and Rushford Peterson that attended and the presentations were:

Darrin Peterson & Mark Dornink	MiEnergy
Rebecca Lofgren	MN Historical Society
Ian Pringle	MN DNR Invasive Species
Karin Nilsen	MN DNR Snakes
Drew Hatzenbihler	Fillmore County Recycling
Vaughn Snook & Travis Viker	DNR Fisheries

If you would like more information about the 6th Grade Conservation Day,
please contact Aaren Mathison at 507-887-0240 or email aaren.mathison@fillmoreswcd.org.

Fillmore SWCD District Services

Envirothon

The Envirothon is an outdoor environmental learning competition for high school students. Area competitions are administered by the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts, in partnership with conservation organizations, educators, and other natural resource agencies.

Learn More