Environmental Education Resources Directory

Land, soil and agriculture

Curriculum materials

• Raindrops Keep Falling on Your Head
  Department of Conservation and Recreation
  This kids' activity book on soil and water conservation contains puzzles, facts about soil and water, group and individual activities, and a centerfold coloring poster.Free; call or write DCR for a copy.

• Teaching Soil and Water Conservation: A Classroom and Field Guide
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  This 30-page activity booklet for educators concentrates on soil particles, the erosion process and agricultural methods for slowing erosion. The activities can be adapted for lower grades. Available only to Fauquier County residents; call JMSWCD. No charge; available as supplies last.

• Conserving Soil
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  This materials packet contains a 17-page activity guide, 24 master activity sheets, three overhead transparencies and a glossary. Units cover soils, erosion and issues. Available only to Fauquier County residents; call JMSWCD. No charge; available as supplies last.

• Virginia Ag in the Classroom
  Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
  Curriculum materials particularly targetted to fourth-grade students. Teacher training, computer software, farm tours and guest speakers available. Contact VAC for complete list of resources.

• Soil and Man - A Historical Perspective in the Roanoke Area
  Virginia's Explore Park
  This 20-page booklet describes the history of the development of soils in western Virginia and the influence of humans on these soils, and includes hands-on activities about properties of soil. No charge; contact VEP.

Field trips/site tours

• Conservation field trips
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  A limited number of opportunities are available for Fauquier County classes to visit local farms. Students will be exposed to agricultural methods and conservation measures used on farms. Hands-on activities are often included. No charge; must schedule at least three months in advance. The teacher may be expected to assist with locating guest speakers.

Newsletters/magazines

• Colonial SWCD News
  Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District
  This quarterly newsletter covers Colonial SWCD activities as well as local, state and national conservation issues. No charge; contact CSWCD to be placed on mailing list.

• John Marshall SWCD Newsletter
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  This quarterly newsletter, four to six pages, for Fauquier County residents covers local soil and water issues and includes tips, guidelines for agricultural cost-share assistance, upcoming events, and announcements from other resource agencies. Call or write JMSWCD to be placed on the mailing list.

• VISION
  Valley Conservation Council
  This quarterly newsletter for VCC members reports about the activities of VCC and gives information about land preservation. Contact VCC for membership information.

Outreach programs/speakers

• Environmental conservation presentations
  Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District
  Speakers are available to provide environmental conservation presentations with slides or other audio-visual materials. Contact CSWCD; no charge, but advance scheduling is required.

• From the Blue Ridge to the Alleghenies: The Valley of Virginia
  Valley Conservation Council
  Speakers are available (with slide show) to discuss growth issues in the Shenandoah Valley and options available for land protection. Contact VCC to schedule; service limited to Frederick, Shenandoah, Page, Alleghany, Highland, Bath, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Augusta, Botetourt and Warren counties. Donations are accepted.

Publications

• Soil and Water Stewardship Week materials
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  Soil and Water Conservation Week is observed each spring. The packet contains coloring books, a poster with activities and bookmarks. The emphasis is on reponsible actions for conservation, and there is a different theme each year. Available only to Fauquier County residents; call JMSWCD. No charge; available as supplies last.

• The Story of Land: Its Use and Misuse Through the Centuries
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  This 15-page comic book for upper elementary students incorporates principles of soil and water conservation. Available only to Fauquier County residents. No charge; contact JMSWCD. Teachers may request a class set but must give at least one month advance notice.

• Exploring Careers in Agronomy, Crops and Soils
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  This 28-page booklet gives an overview of agronomy and related careers in research and in the field; a good resource for school counselors. It provides pointers on courses to take in high school and gives a list of related disciplines and job titles. Available only to Fauquier County residents. Contact JMSWCD; quantities are limited.

Slide shows/films

• This is Your Land
  National Wildlife Federation
  This 15-minute filmstrip for elementary and middle school students brings to life the beauty and variety of America's rich natural heritage. National parks, wilderness areas and other public lands are featured. Available from NWF for $5, plus shipping. Also available as a slide set.

• Soil: We Can't Grow Without It
  National Wildlife Federation
  This 15-minute filmstrip for elementary and middle school students describes how soil is formed and explores the different types of soils and the creatures that make their homes in soil. Available for $5, plus shipping from NWF. Also available as a slide set.

Education directory table of contents

Updated 10/7/98