Every year since 1987 the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District has invited the 6th 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.
Fillmore SWCD 6th Grade Conservation Day 2026
The Fillmore SWCD 6th Grade Conservation Day was held on September 24, 2026, at Forestville State Park.
This year was especially meaningful, as two Fillmore SWCD staff members were able to assist with the event while also having their own children attend. Conservation Day provides students with an opportunity to learn about the natural resources found throughout our area.
This year, 125 students from Fillmore Central, Kingsland, and Rushford-Peterson participated in the event. The day was cool and cloudy, providing perfect weather for outdoor learning. Conditions were comfortable, and best of all, no bees or mosquitoes.
Once again, we were pleased to partner with MiEnergy, DNR Fisheries, DNR Forestry, and DNR State Parks. In addition, volunteers K. Tesmer, representing the University of Minnesota Extension, along with J. Stacken and T. Gossman, presented information about native plants. Josie Homeier, DNR Conservation Officer, also shared insights about her career, her responsibilities as a conservation officer, and the path she took to join the DNR.
We extend our sincere thanks to the participating schools, students, teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, Fillmore SWCD Board members, staff, and volunteers. Without the support and dedication of everyone involved, this valuable educational experience would not be possible. Together, we continue to inspire the next generation to appreciate and care for our natural resources.
Previous Years
It was a beautiful fall day for the Fillmore SWCD 6th 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).
October 3, 2024, marked Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation Districts 37th year of offering the Fillmore County 6th 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:
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
Sixth Grade Conservation Day
Conservation Kids
Classroom and Event Presentations
