Interactive Tools for State Fair, etc.

[David Williams]

North Carolina is trying to modernize and enhance its presentation of conservation concepts to State Fair goers. Does any state have tools or resources that engage the public (even if only briefly) and help them better understand the importance and science of conservation? Any interactive computer demos? Games? Presently we’ve got an Enviroscape and a wheel/spinner with a set of questions they can answer. We’ve also got posters, tattoos, etc.

[Lisa Schultz]

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection developed a game called the “Cow Pie Pitch”

The Cow Pie Pitch is a bean bag toss game has graphics of Wisconsin farm and natural resource scenes. Visitors toss a ‘cow pie’ (i.e. brown bean bag) into a hole to receive a question or information about how nutrients are applied responsibly on our farm fields via nutrient management plans to grow crops and protect our water.

Features on the board include: Cornfield, Wetland, Manure Stack, Grassed Waterway, Road, Manure Storage, Pasture, Stream, Lake, and Hayfield. Bean bag holes are places within the graphics that represent appropriate places to place or spread manure.

I can send photos via email if you would like

[Thayne Mickelson]

I think the best tool is the soil erosion trailer. We worked with NRCS to set one up in Utah. It is a great teaching tool

[Mike Rahe]

Hello David !

IDOA has the Watershed Park open and staffed during the Illinois State Fair. Watershed Park is an interactive and educational exhibit with an emphasis on water conservation and protection. Approximately one acre in size, Watershed Park is located on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The Department broke ground on May 3, 2001 to build Watershed Park. The Park opened on August 10, 2001 during the Illinois State Fair. Featured in Watershed Park are thirteen exhibit stations where the public can learn about water quality issues in a watershed. Soil conservation, urban storm water management, farm and home health and safety, integrated pest management, streambank protection, pasture management, wetlands and wildlife are among the topics covered. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the exhibits or sit under the shade trees. A new pervious pavement area of sidewalk was added in 2009.

In 2014, the Department coordinated interactive presentations for the public during the Illinois State Fair on cover crops and the green roof on top of the Department administrative building. A total of 4,979 State Fair goers enjoyed the Watershed Park interactive rainfall simulator and stream demonstrations and digging in the sand with toy backhoes. We also have a touch screen computer kiosk with the NRCS “Scoop on Soil” program for the public to use.

Watershed Park is open on an appointment basis for groups and schools to visit from April 25 through October 1, weather permitting.

Watershed Park is a cooperative effort between the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Additional major sponsors of Watershed Park include: the University of Illinois, Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Partners for Agricultural Literacy, Archer Daniels Midland, Caterpillar, Monsanto and Syngenta.

[Ray Ledgerwood]

Have seen a one ton pile of soil used to demonstrate erosion rates.
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[Bob Eddleman]

The Indiana Conservation Partnership developed the Pathway to Water Quality on the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 1993. This is a model watershed covering about an acre. It has running water via a pump system and slopes like a watershed. It features cropland, pastureland, forestland, wildlife land and an urban area. Several stations are staffed during the state fair. They include the land areas mentioned above plus soils, a hands on education area, a flowing well (water tested by Board of Health and cups provided for drinking), a well capping exhibit, cover crop area, a wetland, soil health demonstrations, invasive plant demonstrations, brochure pickup area. Trees and plants are identified using permanent markers. It has a fountain surrounded by pervious concrete. The Pathway is staffed during the State Fair by Partnership employees, SWCD supervisors, and other volunteers. The Pathway is also open during two months in the fall as part of ‘Indiana’s largest Outdoor Classroom’ which involves several other parts of the Fairgrounds that are agricultural and natural resources oriented. Schools bring students by bus for educational activities.

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