Planting the seed today for conservation tomorrow is the idea behind the Kids for Conservation area run by the School of Forestry at the Coconino County Fair this weekend.
“This is a great opportunity to reach out to kids about ways to protect our environment,” said Marty Lee, a professor in the school of forestry. “We have fun activities planned for each day of the fair.”
From learning about the cosmos, to how to identify trees to building a bird house, children will get to participate in hands-on activities designed to teach about natural resource conservation.
“Many of our students and faculty will work the area,” Lee said. “Kids of all ages will be able to learn about sustainable living and environmental education.”
Other activities will include growing native grass, putting together pine cone bird feeders, forming pipe cleaner animals, playing water conservation games, developing forestry skills and tying flies.
This is the third year the School of Forestry has partnered federal agencies, the city of Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Department and Lowell Observatory to bring Kids for Conservation to the fair.
Kids for Conservation will be located in a special environmental theme area tent located near the fair entrance. The School of Forestry also will have an information booth at the fair to let the public know about the school and its programs.
Conservation for Kids will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 1-4. Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.