WATERFORD — This summer children from the Harrison and Waterford Summer Recreation Programs, home school families and youngsters with their parents in tow attended the annual Agriculture & Conservation Day at the North Waterford World’s Fair, where they were treated to hands-on experiences at 20 different learning stations.

The children were exposed to the many facets of agriculture and conservation at different locations around the grounds including Old McDonald’s Farm, the art of blacksmithing, care and production of animal fibers, use of a portable sawmill, beekeeping, the Norway/Paris Fish & Game and hunting for rocks and minerals at a sluiceway.

This year a strong emphasis was placed on the importance of forestry in the area. Maine State Forester Merle Ring taught the youngsters about products made from trees, the “Tree Surgeon” showed them the value of trees in keeping our air and water clean, and they were shown several fun things to make from wood and wood products.

The children enjoyed seeing twig frames, art from wooden “cookies,” cedar planters and Adirondack furniture. They then had the opportunity to make balsam and lavender sachet bags, nature journals, leaf rubbings and vases made from recycled bottles decorated with birch bark, raffia and wooden beads.

They helped a volunteer for Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District use things found in nature to build a gnome house and got to play in the dirt while learning about the importance of soils in our life.

One of the highlights of the day was the chance to meet and talk with Chief Robert Federico and Det. Gary Hill of the Norway Police Department. The children were given badges and allowed to sit in the police cruiser, ask questions and generally learn to feel comfortable interacting with the officers.

Last but not least, they got to ride in the “Barrel Train.” In the past couple of years this event has been open to area camps, recreation groups and home school children, but beginning with 2013 this special program will be open to all parents with youth between the ages of 5 and 12 in the area.