Last week, we briefly discussed the importance of soil microorganisms and some invertebrates in the soil ecosystem and their importance to plant communities. Whether the native plant community, from grasslands and forests, or our crop plants.

Not only does the Barton Foundation award hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to Barton students each year, but it also aims to help students succeed in all scholarship endeavors and is offering a thorough but easily digestible scholarship workshop March 5 at 2 and 6 p.m. in the Academic Development Center in the Barton Library, room 136 or via zoom at https://bartonccc-edu.zoom.us/j/9150677357.

The Barton Theatre Department will present the time-honored classic musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” by Jeremy Sams, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 and March 1 and 2, and at 2 p.m. March 2 and 3 in the Fine Arts Auditorium, and tickets are only available in advance.

Those wanting to help a great cause and catch some exciting basketball action will have the opportunity to do both as part of Barton’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter’s Food Drive from 2-5:30 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Kirkman Gym during the Cougar basketball games, and those bringing five items or more will gain free entry.