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From show bulls to elk skulls, fifth graders from the North Little Rock School District got a behind-the-scenes look at animal science and wildlife programs during a hands-on visit to the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Four students — Khaliyah Gatlin, Lacy Glover, Lady Glover and Raeghan Woods — from North Little Rock 6 Academy of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences spent the day exploring UAM’s farm and natural resources programs on a field trip organized by the academy’s innovations coach, Dr. Reginald Wilson.

Their visit began with a farm tour led by UAM’s farm manager, Greg Montgomery. Students met the university’s registered Beefmaster show bulls, visited a playful flock of lambs and took a ride through the pastures filled with cows and calves. Through this experience, students were able to get a close-up look at the daily workings of the UAM farm and learn about the habits and nutritional needs of cattle and sheep.

“The students thought that it was really cool to see how sheep and cow pastures are kind of the same, but also totally different in ways they didn’t expect,” Wilson said.

The learning experience continued with an interactive wildlife lesson from UAM wildlife research technician and instructor Chris Watt. Students were introduced to Arkansas’s native wildlife species through hands-on exploration. Watt brought a variety of pelts for students to touch, skulls and antlers to examine and waterfowl wings to help them learn species identification.

“I love seeing the spark of curiosity when students get to engage with wildlife,” said Watt. “It opens their eyes to how much you can learn from nature if you know what to look for.”

Formerly known as 7^th Street Elementary, the school district recently approved renaming North Little Rock 6 Academy of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences in honor of six brave black students who attempted to integrate North Little Rock High School in 1957. Along with the new name, the school adopted an agriculture and veterinary science theme to help students make real-world connections through their education.

Earlier this school year, Dr. Maribel Nelson, assistant professor of animal science at UAM, visited the school to introduce students to basic animal science practices. She brought lambs for the student to pet and feed as part of the hands-on experience.

The field trip and Dr. Nelson’s visit are part of the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources’ ongoing mission to connect students across the state with educational opportunities in agriculture and natural resources. 

For more information about UAM’s agriculture and natural resource programs, visit the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources’ website.