PHOTO PROVIDED 6th grade CMMS students learn about soil profiles.

6th grade students at Central Mountain Middle School went on the annual Conservation Day Field trip at the Clinton County fair grounds on Sept. 14-15. It was a fun and educational experience for all students.

At the first station students learned how to identify trees based on their leaves. Students thought that was really neat. When students went to the next station they learned about soil profiles: the different layers and how they are arranged. Then students learned a few things on recycling and things that are made from recycled plastic. At the last stop before lunch, classes went to a presentation on the topic of 4H. The presenter even brought her mini horse! Almost everyone in the class loved it! Students got to feed him carrots.

During lunch Robyn Graboski, the founder and director of Centre Wildlife Care, brought in different kinds of animals to show 6th graders. She brought in two turtles, both had disabilities of some sort. She also brought in a skunk! “I thought the skunk was so cute!” said Katie Owens. Ms. Graboski also showed a blind owl and a half blind red tail hawk! The lunch demonstration was so much fun and educational for students.

After lunch, 6th graders went to the next station and learned about some more water-related animals. Students also learned about watersheds and how they can be easily polluted. At the last station the PA Game Commission came in and taught students about hunting safety, hunting licenses, and wild animals, especially bears and bear trapping. The PA Game Warden told some fun and interesting stories from his experiences. At the end students got to look at some cool pelts and bones. He also showed a bear trap and how it works. Soon it was time for students to get on the bus and head back to school.