More than 100 Benjamin Logan Elementary School students in grades 1 through four presented projects at the school’s recent science fair, with awards sponsored by the Logan County Land Trust.
Land Trust President Bob Stoll viewed projects with an environmental or natural resources focus.
First place was awarded to fourth-grader Georgia Daniels in Tina McPherson’s class for her project, “Can Plants Stop Soil Erosion?” Georgia received a bluebird box and a letter of congratulations for her work.
Two projects tied for second place. A partner project by Bryleigh Burnside and Kailey McCullough from Bruce Smith’s class was titled “Fast Growing Plants.” Each girl received a mushroom growing kit and letter.
Lucy Johns from Barb Kuck’s class entered a project entitled “Ready, Set, Grow.” Lucy was awarded a bluebird box and letter.
For the past three years, the Land Trust also has sponsored the Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club. The club, meeting once or twice a month after school hours, has participated in service projects such as the clearing of invasive plant species in public spaces and the planting of native hardwoods. The students, ranging from elementary to high school, have heard speakers on topics ranging from alternative energy sources to the bats of Ohio.
The Land Trust recognizes that to be successful in its mission, it must encourage and support the next generation as those young people develop into responsible citizens making informed choices about the planet.
Since its inception in 2004, the mission of the Logan County Land Trust has been to preserve farmland, scenic open space and natural areas to protect the rural character of Logan County. To that end, the Land Trust has viewed the education of the youth of Logan County as being vitally important, particularly as it relates to environmental issues.