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| Learning how plants grow is just one of the educational opportunities available to AgMagic visitors. A variety of learning activities await on topics covering plants, animals, fish, wildlife and much more. |
News Release Distributed 03/12/07
The LSU AgCenter will present the "magic" of agriculture and natural resources again this spring as its annual "AgMagic" events unfold April 23-29 in the Parker Coliseum on the university campus in Baton Rouge.
The successful event is in its fourth year and is designed to help children and adults understand that food, clothing, lumber and other products all are part of the complex agricultural system.
AgMagic will be open for scheduled tours by school groups April 23-27. In addition, the public is invited to attend from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. April 28-29.
"Our faculty and staff are once again putting together a great lineup to help the public, and especially children, understand where their food comes from and what agriculture is all about," said LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson.
The annual event features a variety of interactive exhibits that cover plants, animals, wildlife and other topics. They range from demonstrations showing the growth stages of plants from seeds to maturity to games designed to help children learn about farming, aquatic life and plants
Among the new features this year will be appearances by Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. Kids also will be invited to make leaf prints, animal tracks and insect rubbings.
The popular "Bugs Rule" section that was introduced last year also has been expanded. Those exhibits and activities are designed to demonstrate the role insects play in agriculture and the environment.
It includes magnifying lenses to allow participants to view bugs up close and a greenhouse filled with plants and butterflies. It’s also the place where kids will be invited to do insect or bug rubbings.
"AgMagic takes visitors on a journey that shows them various aspects of Louisiana agriculture and the role it plays in the things they use every day," LSU AgCenter Vice Chancellor Paul Coreil said. "It’s an experience that will be interactive and visually stimulating , and it will help them see the links between food and fiber products and the forests, field crops and livestock produced by Louisiana farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.
"It also tries to show how Louisiana agriculture plays a vital role in the state’s economy – in addition to contributing to the food we eat, clothes we wear and homes we live in."
In addition to "Bugs Rule," other sections in the interactive exhibits that will be offered:
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| Baby chicks are popular with visitors, who are afforded opportunities to see a range of animals found on farms. |