ENVIRONMENT

775 TREES 575 VOLUNTEERS 31 COUNTIES 1 BIG IMPACT

Illinois 4-H joins forces with the Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Association in a statewide project to re-establish one of the states most endangered ecosystems—oak savannahs.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

YOUR GIFT HELPS 4-H DO MORE!

Give to support: • 4-H Environment Fund • 4-H for Our Future Fund • 4-H Memorial Camp

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE THE 2022 4-H ANGLER OF THE YEAR?

HARD WORK, GRIT, AND CONTINUING TO SHOW UP!

There were a lot of great catches as youth throughout the state headed outdoors to compete in the 4-H Hooks Us Together Tournament this spring.

Hunter Stevens of Saline County earned the 2022 Illinois 4-H Angler of the year title for earning top placing in all three months of competition.

“I feel a connection to nature and the environment when I'm fishing. It helps me forget about things that are on my mind and helps me relax.” HUNTER STEVENS

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Bond County 4-H members partnered with The Simple Room, a Youth Development Center in Greenville to learn a new skill while spending time outside!

Photo Credit: The Simple Room www.simpleroom.org 4-H YOUTH NAMED 2023 YOUTH IN ACTION PILLAR AWARD FINALIST FOR HER WORK IN HEALTHY LIVING

Elaan Bader attributes the spark she has for agriculture and the global health of pollinators to 4-H. Armed with a can-do attitude and a belief that one person can make a difference, 4-H has provided her opportunities and experiences that have honed her public speaking, creative writing and leadership skills.

Working as a pollinator ambassador through a national 4-H grant, Elaan trained over 3,000 youth and adult volunteers and helped to plant over 36 acres of pollinator plots. During the pandemic, she utilized her strengths and talents gained in 4-H to independently educate people both locally and internationally about pollinators’ importance, creating original educational materials including a monthly newsletter, PSAs and social media content. Speaking out wherever she’s offered the opportunity—at community clubs, agricultural venues and the like—Elaan is passionate about her work and is driven to inspire and enable others to be change agents to make our world a better place. A student at Washington University in St. Louis, Elaan aims to share her pollinator passion through a career in agriculture law.