This Spring Planting program focuses on six interactive stations, teaching students about soil preparation, seed selection, and crucially how to plant corn using methods from 1918.

Station One – In the park’s pavilion, visitors learn what it was like to grow up on a farm in the early 1900’s. They prepare and learn to read germination tests already in progress. They learn the difference in open pollinated hybrid seeds.

Station Two – Visitors learn about draft horses and their importance on the early farm. They will see how live draft horses are harnessed and learn about how farmers treated them with great care. Classes even compete in a horse harnessing relay race using life-sized “dummy” horses.

Station Three – Draft horses are used to show how the land was plowed and prepared for planting. Students are given the opportunity to try their hand at plowing and driving the horses. They are also given the chance to try and pull the plow themselves with tow rope to demonstrate the power of the draft horses.

Station Four – Corn planting techniques are demonstrated using horses, check wire, stakes, and a planter. Students help load the seed corn into the antique planter and help move the check wires. The also plant corn using manual seed planters.

Station Five – Before learning how to pick corn by hand, students learn how to quickly identify a good seed ear. As they pick the corn, they will throw the promising seed ears into a small seed box and toss the other ears into a moving horse-drawn wagon.

Station Six – Then they select and shell corn using various types of old sheller. Like their ancestors, learning to identify good seed corn ears that will be used for performing germination tests and grade the kernels for planting.

The school takes care of the cost for all the children, and each child brings a sack lunch for the field trip. Many volunteers are needed for the event. Volunteer hours are: 8:30am to 2pm. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all volunteers. If you would like to help preserve history while inspiring the next generation, check out Three Sister’s Park website or their Facebook page for more information on volunteering.