This past Wednesday, the Nevada County Fairgrounds came alive with the annual Farm Day event, organized by the Nevada County Resource Conservation District (NCRCD) in partnership with the Nevada County Farm Bureau and the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Over 750 local 2nd and 3rd graders, along with FFA students from Bear River & Nevada Union High Schools, participated in a fun-filled day dedicated to exploring the various aspects of agriculture.
Farm Day is more than just a showcase of animals, fruits, and vegetables; it highlights the essential role of water in agriculture, the transformation of trees into lumber and paper products, the production of clothing from animal fibers, and the benefits of bats in pest control. The event also emphasizes the importance of insects and pollination, soil health, and sustainable farming practices.
“Organizations, businesses, and community members gathered to showcase everything from beekeeping to livestock husbandry, creating an engaging environment for students eager to learn,” said Alyssa Mayo, Trainer and Operator at West Coast Equine Sports Therapy.
Mayo further noted, “Events like Farm Day provide the next generation with opportunities to explore future career paths, while also instilling hope for the continuation of our community’s agricultural traditions.”
In addition to Farm Day, the NCRCD offers several youth programs aimed at fostering an interest in agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Youth Programs
1. Range Camp:
This environmental science and management camp for high school students from across California is held at the University of California’s Elkus Youth Ranch in Half Moon Bay. Each year, NCRCD sponsors four students with scholarships of $750 each. Participants gain valuable knowledge about riparian habitats, rangeland ecology, wildlife management, and more. Applications for next years range camp will be available next year. Visit: https://www.ncrcd.org/range-camp-2024
2. School Garden Micro-Grants:
These grants encourage schools in Nevada County to establish or enhance children’s garden projects, promoting hands-on learning and environmental awareness. Schools can receive up to $5,000, although funding is limited each fiscal year. Visit: https://www.ncrcd.org/supporting-school-gardens-grow to learn more and apply!
3. Ag Scholarship Program:
NCRCD provides scholarships to local students pursuing studies in various agricultural and conservation-related fields. Areas of study include agricultural engineering, forestry, and Ag communications, among others. Students can apply through their high school scholarship programs, with the goal of cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. To learn more please visit: https://www.ncrcd.org/scholarships
NCRCD funds scholarships for passionate students with the intention of becoming future agriculturalists and conservationists, and perhaps even bringing that acquired knowledge and experiences back to our community to inform and lead. Our world and society depend on the future of agriculture, and through these scholarships, we hope to inspire and enable students to develop into working lands managers, advocates, and leaders. We hope to have more applicants in the coming year for these great programs. For more information about NCRCD and all its available programs and opportunities visit www.NCRCD.org.
