Local FFA members from the Miller City Chapter, recently brought the wonders of the
prairie land directly to the 2nd graders at Miller-City New Cleveland Schools. The FFA
students were able to utilize the small prairie land, that is located in the front of the
school building, for their outdoor educational experience. FFA members worked along
with the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation to develop lesson plans to
showcase information about prairie ecology. The event is aimed to teach students about
the vital role and importance of native grasslands like prairies. We would like to thank
the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation for their support in this event and
allowing us to borrow their educational tools.

Students in Mrs. Moening’s and Mrs. McGlaughlin’s classes participated in several
hands-on learning activities that brought awareness about prairie land in Ohio. The
students rotated through several stations that were developed and taught by Miller City
FFA members. The stations focused on local pollinators, the history of prairies, and
prairie vegetation.
Programs like these are the cornerstone of the FFA program. It encourages FFA
members to step up as mentors and raise awareness to stewardship within their own
communities. FFA members used this opportunity to practice public speaking, lesson
planning, and leadership skills. “Seeing the second graders get excited about native
grasses and pollinators is incredibly rewarding,” said one participating FFA chapter
officer. “If we can teach young students to appreciate the land now, hopefully they will
grow up wanting to protect it.”