Parents didn’t like people spreading dirt around the house, but soil is vital to our survival.

Urbana Park District invites the public to a free program called “Don’t Call it Dirt!” on Thursday, September 5, from 6 – 8 p.m., at Anita Purves Nature Center.

The program is free for people ages 15 and up.

“Dirt is what you find under your fingernails or what you track through the house,” said Georgena Donoho, the program instructor. “Soil is what grows your food.”

There is more to soil than meets the eye. “Soil is a complex and natural resource,” Donoho explained. “It supports plant growth, affects water and air quality and even helps clean up wastes.”

On September 5, Donoho will teach what makes soil, teach methods to conserve soil and talk about the chemistry and composition behind soil.

People need to call Anita Purves Nature Center at (217) 384-4062 by September 3, so Donoho knows the number of people to expect.

“Bring garden gloves and shoes that can get muddy,” Donoho advised. “We’re going to have a lot of fun!”