The programs listed below are provided at no cost to Defiance County schools and groups.  Funding for programs are provided through the Defiance County Commissioners and matching dollars through Ohio Department of Agriculture.  Each program is tailored to grade level and Ohio's Learning Standards for Science.  The programs are 30-45 minutes and can be adapted for different levels to meet your educational needs.  We also offer programs for scouts, 4H, and other groups. 
If you are interested in a program that is not listed, please contact us to discuss alternative possibilities. 
​Contact Dru Mark-Wilson with any questions or to schedule your program at dmark-wilson@defiance-county.com or 419-782-1794​ 

Conservation Education Programs

PreK/Kindergarten- Ohio Wildlife: Students will observe and explore animal mounts/pelts to learn about adaptations that help
​these animals survive. K.LS.2
First Grade- Pollinators: Students will learn the importance of pollinators and recognize that organisms cause changes in the environment where they live. 1.LS.2
Second Grade- Vermicomposting: Students will observe and discover the ways worms change their habitat.  Our office will provide a worm composting bin for your classroom. 2.LS.1
Third Grade- Soil Conservation: Students will investigate characteristics of soil through observation and experimentation. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of soil conservation. 3.ESS.1
Fourth Grade- Erosion: Students will explore the process of erosion with a hands-on experiment and will compare their lab observations to what might happen in the real world. Enviroscape, Streamulator, and Virtual Watershed models are also available. 4.ESS.3
Fifth Grade- Food Web: Students will discuss the interconnections within ecosystems and investigate a raptor food chain by dissecting owl pellets.  5.LS.1
Sixth Grade- Soil Horizons: Students will investigate how soil forms at different rates and has different measurable properties through soil sampling and testing.  6.ESS.4
Middle School and High School- Our conservation staff can assist your class in exploring real world applications involving our local soil & water.  Examples include:
Stream Monitoring: Explore water quality by performing chemical tests (pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients), looking at stream biology (macroinvertebrates), and stream structure.  We can bring samples to your classroom or meet us at your nearest stream.
Agriculture Best Management Practices: Learn what local farmers are doing to conserve soil and improve water quality.  Discussion of cover crops, tillage practices, drainage management, and edge of field studies.
Environmental Careers: Our staff can inspire your students by helping them to understand how we use technology in the field to improve resource conservation.
Conservation Projects: We can assist your students in a conservation project from design to build.

​Recycling and Liter Prevention Programs

PreK/Kindergarten- Recycling: Students will discuss the importance of recycling and will help sort items that are recyclable in Defiance County.  Students will also create an Earth bracelet to remind them of the valuable resources our planet has to offer. K.PS.1
Second Grade- Vermicomposting: Students will observe and discover the ways worms change their habitat.  Our office will provide a worm composting bin for your classroom. 2.LS.1
Fourth Grade- Water Pollution: Students will take part in an interactive story and learn how, as populations have increased and land uses have changed, many of our rivers have become polluted. 4.LS.1