Past Events > Homestead Ranch Weekend

Homestead Ranch Weekend May 18 - 19, 2002

Girls who attended both years of our workshop and girls who attended all three industry tours this past spring were invited to attend a weekend ranch experience. Girls spent a majority of their time exploring the prairie learning about the native plants in a "hands-on" weekend.

Ethno-botany; the study of how and why people use plants in their local environments, was presented to the girls by Coleen Davidson. During hikes the girls learned how to identify various prairie plants as well as their uses to American Indians and today's ranchers.

A craft activity was also used to teach the GROW girls. Using plants from the prairie, they created laminated bookmarks. This was a great activity that gave the opportunity to "rest" after hiking and horseback riding.

Girls were given an assignment on Saturday; to choose one prairie plant, study it and present it to the group on Sunday. Girls were to identify various criteria about their plant including name, uses, type of leaf arrangement, and time of year it blooms.

Another creative teaching tool was used to "test" the girls knowledge on the prairie plants they studied -- JEOPARDY!

The girls had plenty of time to hang out and have fun -- here are two girls ready for dinner!

Girls also had the opportunity to learn how ranchers manage the prairie in a way that is environmentally friendly as well as profitable.

Last but not least, all the girls had the opportunity to explore the ranch on horseback.

The group had a great time and learned a lot about the prairie and it's plants -- now it's time to go home!