Over 425 students from Kyrock, South Edmonson, and Clarkson Elementary schools took part Tuesday (May 23) in the Outdoor Environmental Education Day (Ecomeet) at Nolin River Lake.

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers sponsored the event in conjunction with several other federal and state agencies.

Park Ranger Alan Ramey coordinated the event. “It gives the kids a chance to get out of the classroom and learn about the environment,” Ramey said.

At 15 minute intervals, students rotated through learning stations covering a range of environmental topics.

The lessons were geared to educate the students about a variety of topics including recycling, fish and wildlife, forestry, beekeeping, emergency preparations, dam operations, and to influence them to appreciate and care for our environment.

“We look forward to this every year,” said Joyce Elmore, 4th grade teacher at Clarkson Elementary.

As part of the Leadership Edmonson County 2006 individual preparedness project, Corps Volunteer Chester Guy demonstrated an individual family preparedness kit.

Guy discussed simple steps that families can take to be prepared for any disaster, including stocking a supply of food, water, prescription medication, and first aid supplies.

As part of the “Don't Panic” campaign, Homeland Security's goal is to educate as many families as possible to prepare for a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

Beekeeper Cleo Hogan from Park City gave students information about basic live bee management and how the bees benefit the environment.

Christy Ramey of the Edmonson County Extension Office gave a presentation to the 4th graders about recycling of renewable and non-renewable resources.

“They are exposed to information that they may not get from anywhere else,” Ramey said.

Mitzy Pruitt with Community Action of Southern Kentucky provided lunch for all Ecomeet participants.

The Corps of Engineers sponsors the event twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring at the Tailwater Recreational Area.

Presenters included Christy Ramey, Edmonson County Extension Office;

Alice Sanders, Edmonson County Extension Office;

Chester Guy, Volunteer; David Hunt, Byron Nelson, and Justin Watt, Kentucky Division of Forestry;

Curtis Martin and Adam Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;

Sam Vincent, Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet;

Cleo Hogan, Bee Keeper; Becky Bierman, Lost River Cave;

Roger Bessinger, Warren RECC;

Norm Reitmeyer, National Weather Service.

As a bonus for the 4th graders, Smokey the Bear and Buddy Beaver appeared at the end of the day to promote the message of preventing forest fires, respecting wildlife, and safeguarding the waters of Kentucky.