Last Thursday evening, area third grade students, Straughn High School’s Envirothon Team, and the Covington County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) gathered with their families for a program on healthy soils.

The evening of fellowship was an extension of the annual conservation-themed third-grade poster contest; sponsored by the SWCD and the National Association of Conservation Districts.

In addition to exploring the Pike County Soil Tunnel Trailer, attendees watched as NRCS Resource Specialist, Walker Williams demonstrated the Rainfall Simulator.

This demonstration provides a real-time comparison of different land use practices and the resulting surface water run-off, water/nutrient infiltration, and soil erosion.

Both Pleasant Home and Straughn High School’s Envirothon teams were recognized for their accomplishment in the recent Alabama Envirothon Competition in Columbiana.

Both teams improved their performance over last year, and Straughn’s team out- competed many larger, more experienced schools for the third place overall win.

Also, third grade County-level poster contest winners were announced: First, Greyson Seay from Ms. Rambo’s class – Straughn Elementary School, Second, Kayden Adkinson, Fleeta Jr. High, Ms. Drish, and Third, also from Straughn Elementary School, Neveah Leach from Ms. Grissett’s class.