The District offers several environmental programs for students in Kankakee County to help the students have a better understanding of their environment and to help them learn that their actions have an impact on the world around them.

The primary program is a slide show illustrating different ecosystems in Illinois including sand dunes, sandstone ledges, prairies, bogs, prairie potholes, rivers, ponds and caves. The slides help the students understand the concept of an ecosystem and why different plants and animals need different ones. The slides also provide opportunities to discuss why each organism, no matter how minor, has an important role to play in the world. The slide show and educational program is presented by Rich Howell, Conservation District Manager.

A second program offered is called Water Jeopardy where students learn about water quality and quantity issues while asking questions from a Jeopardy Board. The game gives the students an opportunity to expand their vocabulary while also learning about current and future water use issues. This program is also presented by Rich Howell.

The last program offered is the use of Enviroscapes. Enviroscapes are hands on tools that allow students to see before and after situations and how the environment is impacted. Students can move structures, people and animals around to see whether a chosen action will impact the environment in a positive or negative manner. The Enviroscapes are available for loan to schools and teachers or a District staff member can bring them out for the class and lead the program.

If you would like any of these presentations given in your school, please contact the District office at 815-937-8940, ext. 3.

The District is also active in the Ag in The Classroom program in Kankakee County with both Associate Director Paula Karlock and Conservation District Manager Rich Howell doing presentations throughout the county on environmental and agricultural programs. For these programs, please contact the Kankakee County Farm Bureau at 815-932-7471.