Come for the chance to see a working farm that also functions as a center for teaching and research. Stay for the adorable baby animals.

Thousands of youngsters from area elementary schools, Head Start programs, and child care centers will get a closer look at West Virginia University’s Animal Sciences Farm during Kiddie Days Tuesday, April 22, to Friday, April 25.

Hosted by the Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences in WVU’s Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design, Kiddie Days gives kids (and adults) in the region the chance to learn more about where the food on their table comes from.

“We will plan to have chickens with eggs hatching, and mothers with young sheep, swine, dairy and beef cattle,” said Matt Wilson, interim director of the Division. “Our farm personnel, students and faculty will be on hand during this four-day period to lead the tours, answer questions, and provide assistance as needed.”

Tours will start each day at 9 a.m. with the last tour of the day beginning at 3 p.m. Admission is $2 per person. To schedule a tour for a group of 10 or more, call 304-293-2631 between 8:30 a.m. and noon and 1 and 4 p.m. to make a reservation. Individuals or small groups do not need to make reservations in advance. The farm is located on Stewartstown Road east of the intersection with West Run Road.

“Biosecurity measures are very important and we are asking for visitors’ cooperation to maintain animal and human health standards,” said Wilson. “We are asking anyone, including chaperones, children, parents or other companions, who has traveled abroad in the last 10 to 14 days to please not accompany your group to the farm. We will have hand sanitizing solution stations placed along the tour, and we ask that visitors use them before leaving the farm.”

Persons needing a disability-related accommodation to participate in this event should contact Denise Hunnell in the Davis College’s Office of the Dean at 304-293-2383 or at dhunnell@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

dw/4/10/14

CONTACT: David Welsh, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design
304.293.2394, David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu

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