Winston County Self Help Cooperative Youth Day
By: Jonathan Evans
The Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) remains dedicated to empowering our community through practical education in sustainable agriculture. On May 2nd, 2025, we hosted an engaging event aimed at educating Louisville High School students about simple, sustainable practices. Participants enjoyed interactive demonstrations featuring locally sourced produce, hands-on lemon tree planting, and innovative technology.
Fruit dip offers a delightful and straightforward snack, perfect for children to enjoy during the summer. The ingredients required include crème cheese, whipped crème, and fresh strawberries, which were harvested directly from the WCSHC demonstration farm. Preparation involves simply combining these ingredients into a bowl and mixing them to achieve the desired consistency. While graham crackers and pretzels were both available, graham crackers were the crowd favorite.
This easy-to-make treat is perfect for parents and children to create and enjoy together, promoting healthy eating habits and family bonding. The WCSHC Leafy Green Project was a notable success, producing a plentiful strawberry harvest this season, which was also utilized in creating strawberry jam. The strawberry demonstration illustrated how sustainable agricultural practices directly benefit local communities. Following the delightful treat preparation, students engaged in hands-on horticultural activities.
Ms. Pam provided an informative demonstration on starting lemon trees from seeds. She began with a plastic cup filled tightly with mulch and a small amount of water. After making a half-finger-sized hole in the mulch, she placed the lemon seed inside, covered it, and gently watered the cup.
Ms. Pam explained that once the lemon tree seedlings establish a healthy root system, they should be transplanted to a larger container or a prepared outdoor site. Proper site preparation and careful handling during transplantation are essential for healthy plant growth. Adequate water, regular sunlight exposure, and appropriate mulch application significantly influence the successful growth of lemon trees. Complementing the agricultural lessons, students were then introduced to the exciting use of drones in farming.
Jonathan demonstrated the growing importance of drones in agriculture, emphasizing their practical applications for navigating challenging terrains, monitoring crop and livestock progress, and ensuring the accuracy of land surveys and property descriptions. For instance, the WCSHC’s drone recently identified a previously undiscovered dam on a member’s land, illustrating the drone’s invaluable contribution to cooperative land management.
Students had the opportunity to test-fly the drones, with many finding the experience exciting and insightful. While some students easily mastered drone controls, others faced challenges but still enjoyed the learning experience.
Sustainability remains at the heart of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s mission. Through engaging educational activities such as Mayla’s fruit dip preparation, Ms. Pam’s lemon tree planting demonstration, and Jonathan’s drone exhibition, students learned practical skills and innovative methods that promote sustainable living. Our collective efforts continue to empower and inspire the next generation, reinforcing our commitment to saving rural America by fostering sustainable agricultural practices within our community.
