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Edgeley Public Library Partners with Conservation Groups for Soil-Focused Summer Program

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Edgeley Public Library Unearth a Story

The Edgeley Public Library in LaMoure County is hosting an eight-week summer series as part of its “Unearth a Story” program, with each week highlighting a different natural resource theme.

By Chris Maestas, NRCS Public Affairs Specialist

The Edgeley Public Library in LaMoure County is hosting an eight-week summer series as part of its “Unearth a Story” program, with each week highlighting a different natural resource theme. On June 16, NRCS partnered with LaMoure County NDSU Extension, the LaMoure County Soil Conservation District and the library to support the week’s topic, “Beneath Our Feet: The Earth Has Stories.”

The session began with Julianne Racine, LaMoure County NDSU Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension agent, reading Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner. After the book, participants moved outside to explore three hands-on soil stations.

At one station, Rani Lloyd and Amanda Brandt with NRCS guided children and adults through the canvas soil tunnel. Equipped with headlamps, participants crawled through the tunnel to learn about life above and below the soil surface. Many children returned multiple times, noticing new details with each pass.

Melissa Shockman and Rachel Waddell with the LaMoure County Soil Conservation District led a station on soil texture and how it influences plant growth. Nearby, Racine demonstrated water infiltration and explained how soil particle size affects moisture movement and plant development. Children compared soil types by touch, with sand quickly becoming a crowd favorite.

The day’s theme highlighted the importance of soil health practices and the dynamic activity occurring underground that often goes unseen. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for NRCS and local partners to collaborate and deliver conservation education to all ages in LaMoure County.

Library reading
Children listen as Julianne Racine, LaMoure County NDSU Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension agent, reads Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt during the Edgeley Public Library’s “Unearth a Story” program on June 16, helping introduce young learners to the role soil plays in everyday life.
Kids explore outdoor demonstrations
Kids explore outdoor demonstrations during the Edgeley Public Library’s “Unearth a Story” program on June 16, learning how animals, soil and ecosystems work together — giving them a hands‑on look at the connections that keep healthy landscapes thriving.
Child explore
A child explores a hands‑on soil demonstrations outside the Edgeley Public Library on June 16, giving them a chance to see how soil health affects plants, water and life beneath the surface.

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