Fourth-graders from all four MPISD elementary campuses took field trips to the Titus County Extension Office on October 11 and 12 for Hallogreen, an annual event sponsored by the Cypress Basin Master Gardeners Association. Master Gardener members volunteered for the event, teaching the students about various aspects of agriscience. Activities for the day aligned with the TEKS for 4th grade science.

Attendees toured the grounds in small groups stopping for activities at seven different stations. Students created UV bracelets after learning about the harmful effects of the sun. They listened as an Extension Agent described the many facets of owning cattle and the careers available with a live dairy cow on hand. Students went to five different stations in the Butterfly Garden that took them through the life cycle of a caterpillar using live examples at each station. They took a walk down The Woodland Trail, a nature trail maintained by the Master Gardeners, while an agent from the Texas Forestry Service described the many plants and trees that live and grow along the trail. They stopped in the greenhouse for a “Safe or Poison” demonstration and tried to guess if substances were safe or poisonous just by looking at them. They enjoyed watching a trainer take his dog through various obedience exercises. And finally, they were able to have pictures made in front of butterfly and flower cut outs.

Each student received a backpack sponsored by TRMC that contained a magnifying glass for looking at the butterflies and plants along with other supplies needed for the activities. The Cypress Basin Master Gardener program is an educational and volunteer program located at the Titus County Extension Office. The program is designed to increase the availability of horticultural information and extend horticultural projects throughout the community.