In September, students from Cloverdale Middle School, Greencastle Middle School, North Putnam Middle School, and South Putnam Middle School participated in the annual 7th Grade Natural Resource Day, held at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
Thanks to the generosity of neighboring landowners, students also had access to Big Walnut Creek and nearby riparian areas, enriching their outdoor learning experience.
Throughout the event, students explored a wide range of natural resource topics including invasive species, pollinators, soil health, wildlife, forestry, water testing, prescribed burns, reptiles, and benthic macroinvertebrates. The event featured hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding.
One popular station allowed students to search for benthic macroinvertebrates in Big Walnut Creek. Different species of benthic macroinvertebrates have different tolerance levels for pollution. Using D-nets, students were able to catch (and eventually release) several different types of benthic macroinvertebrates including a dobsonfly larva and a righthanded snail. Dobsonfly larva and righthanded snails are very intolerant of pollution and finding them in Big Walnut Creek is an indication of good water quality.
At the Reptile Station, they met Jack the box turtle and learned proper handling techniques. The presenter emphasized that turtles should never be picked up by their tails, and if found crossing a road, they should be placed on the side they were heading toward—not the side they came from. They also were introduced to a bull frog, tadpoles, and a snake. They learned that when a snake sheds skin it, it also sheds the skin/protective layer over its eyes.
This program was hosted jointly between Purdue Extension and the Putnam Co. SWCD. The program would not be possible without all the incredible presenters including:
- Purdue Extension Educators from North Region, Southwest Central Region, South Central Region, West Central Region,
- Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative,
- Putnam Co. Master Gardeners,
- SWCD staff from Clay, Morgan, Parke, and Putnam Counties,
- Indiana State Department of Agriculture,
- Putnam Co. Beekeepers Association, and
- Indiana DNR.
Spending a day outside the classroom offers students a chance to breathe fresh air, explore nature, and connect with the environment. Our hope is that 7th Grade Natural Resource Day inspires youth to develop a lifelong appreciation for Indiana’s natural resources and the unique features of Putnam County.
Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.
Upcoming Events:
Oct. 17 – Homesteading Conference, 8:10 am – 4:30 pm, Monroe Co. Fairgrounds, $25,
Register at https://bit.ly/HomesteadingConference2026
Oct. 24 – Weed Wrangle at Lieber State Recreation Area, 9-11 am, contact
765-653-5716 x3 for more information
Nov. 1 – 4-H Achievement Awards
Nov. 1 – 4-H Open House Carnival, 4- 6 pm, Putnam County Fairgrounds
Nov. 1 – 4-H Enrollment Open for 2026-2027 program year
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