Philippi Elementary Has Bees, Seeds And Trees Program For Earth Day

Joyce Frey of the Barbour County Beekeepers Association, the Bee Lady because of her expertise of honeybee knowledge, presented a program all about bees. Jody Carpenter, Barbour County WVU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent talked with the students about trees, the importance of trees, their parts and functions and their uses. A group of 4th grade students then helped plant a dogwood tree, donated by Tractor Supply, on the school grounds.

Community Education Outreach Members (CEOS), Kim Stemple, Shirley Daniels helped serve cucumber infused water while Barbara Wolfe, WVU Youth Health Educator, discussed the importance of drinking at least 8 ounces of water daily and avoiding sugar sweetened drinks for better nutrition and health.

CEOS members Angie Mossesso Nuzum and Judy Boylen, along with Becky Kniley, WVU Adult Health Educator, and Rebecka Knotts, WVU Administrative Assistant, helped students plant pea, cucumber, pepper, and radish seeds in seed bags to take home so they can care for them and watch them grow food. Soil for the seed bags was donated by Philippi Southern States.

Plants give us oxygen, which we need for life and we breath out carbon dioxide which the plant needs. Bees also need plants to survive. Bees pollenate garden plants, such as the cucumber, pea, and peppers the students will be growing along with the dogwood tree planted on the school grounds. The bees make delicious honey for their food and for us to enjoy.

WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program’s work is supported by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.