Over 350 students from Alger and Marquette County fifth grade classrooms attended Agripalooza, the annual agriculturally- centered education event, on Friday, Sept. 29 at the Michigan State University South Farm in Chatham. The event focuses on providing personal experience with various agricultural and conservation efforts in education.
“Really excited to get the kids out of the classroom for some hands-on learning where they don’t even realize that they might be learning here today,” said Matt Watkeys, District Manager of the Alger Conservation District. “It’s great to introduce them to some of the careers available to them in the future, to enjoy the outdoors and the conservation related activities and potentially a job moving forward.”
Over 50 presenters and volunteers aided the students through various stations spread out across the farm. Because the displays came from various aspects of agriculture and conservation, some presenters brought major pieces of equipment while others brought live sea lampreys to showcase the dangers of invasive species. Annual displays of introductions to fly fishing and hay rides through the pastures were also available for learning opportunities.
New this year were multiple presentations on various food related issues. Iron Bay of Marquette showcased the quality differences between locally-grown produce and those shipped in from other parts of the country. Beekeeping efforts, composting protocols and seed saving also were featured as part of the event’s efforts into local food production and independence.
“We are definitely unique in that many people grow their own food and raise their own livestock,” Watkeys said. “Another unique thing up here is our growing season, but we try to extend that with seed saving or hoop houses. We in many ways are in a food desert, so learning how to self sustain is important in the U.P..”
For the last 13 years of the event, the Marquette and Alger Conservation Districts have combined to host Agripalooza. According to Maddie O’Donnell, Marquette Conservation District Manager, the event works because both districts come together.
“Were really grateful to be working with (Watkeys) and have board members from both groups helping out,” O’Donnell said. “It’s a really unique event. I’m not sure of any other events in the state involve so many organizations sharing their time.”
One of the new presenters this year were Phil Carter and Ally O’Neal of Partridge Creek Compost of Ishpeming. The pair operate one of the Upper Peninsula’s largest commercial composting efforts. They enjoyed the positive interactions with the students by adding physical activity to get educate the students.
“It’s been fun and hectic. The kids are really smart and rowdy,” Carter said. “They’re inquisitive and know so much more than I’d expect fifth graders to know.”
