4-H NATURAL RESOURCE PROJECTS OFFER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Youth across Indiana can explore nature by participating in the 4-H Natural Resource projects. These projects include: entomology (insects), forestry, geology (rocks), sportfishing, weather, and wildlife.

The projects are part of the new 4-H SET (Science, Engineering & Technology) program offered by 4-H across the U.S.A.

In the entomology project, youth learn about insects by collecting and identifying various types of insects by common name and order. More advanced members can prepare a special educational box to explain some unique insect type or problem. The insect collection is then displayed at the annual 4-H Fair.

The Forestry project also includes collecting, identifying and preserving various tree leaves using the popular ì50 Trees of Indianaî booklet. Older members may also collect wood samples, tree seeds and do some type of forest improvement activity.

Geology is the study of rocks and 4-H members learn about the three major types: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Beginners display six different rocks that are identified. Older members increase their rock collection adding rocks of different texture and color. They also learn about what types are used for construction such as limestone, sandstone, and granite.

Sportfishing gets youth involved in various fishing activities and learning about types of fish found in Indiana. Older members can explore various types of fishing bait or lures, fish diseases, fishing laws, and how to clean and safely cook fish for their family.

4-H members in the weather project learn about the weather by recording various facts such as temperature, rain fall, degree days, etc. They also learn to identify types of clouds and understand which can produce severe weather conditions.

As members advance in the project they can learn about lightening, tornadoes, greenhouse effect, and El Nino.

Beginners in the wildlife project participate in activities that teach them about Indiana wildlife and their habitats. Members learn about life cycles, food chains, adaptations, and laws that protect wildlife. Displays at the fair range from posters about wildlife to sample tracks to animals, bird migration maps and notebooks on animal photography.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue membership through the completion of grade 12.

4-H membership forms for Wells County are due to the 4-H Leaders or the County Extension Office on or before Thursday, April 1st. Families may drop off the forms after office hours at the Drop Box located under the canopy of the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

Mini 4-H membership is for youth in grades 1 and 2. Mini 4-H membership is due
May 1. Forms will be distributed in late March and early April to all school classrooms. Forms can be returned to the school office.

For more information and forms, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Extension Service, 824-6412. The membership form is also located at www.wellscounty.org/4h/

(Submitted)