Natural Resources

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES SPARK DISCOVERY AND KNOWLEDGE.

Winnebago County youth show off a recent catch as part of the Bass Fishing SPIN Club

What a catch! Youth enjoy screen-free time in the great outdoors.

In the past year, screen time increased exponentially as schools, organizations, and even socializing went remote. In response, Illinois 4-H developed a new outdoor curriculum focusing on getting kids to spend time outside and to enjoy the proven benefits of time spent in nature through the sport of largemouth bass fishing.

Over the course of 6 weeks, youth learned about aquatic ecosystems, fish biology, and include STEM activities relating to fishing gear.

Illinois 4-H is Curbing Our Carbon Appetite

"I am passionate in learning more in depth not only about the problems, but also the solutions that are being implemented and open gaps that are left for us to fix in the future"

Krish Nangia, DuPage County -Krish Nangia

Illinois Youth Leaders Spark Global Change

Members of the Illinois 4-H Youth Science Ambassador Team created a presentation focused on the causes of climate change, the science of the carbon cycle, and the impact that our food choices can have on our environment. They presented to an audience of their Brazilian peers from the Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul. The presentation was part of the Ag Innovators Experience National 4-H grant program titled “Curbing Our Carbon Appetite”.

“To be aware of how your actions and the actions of those around you can impact the environment, and to know what steps we can take to improve our surroundings and reduce the rate of global warming is so important,” says Supriya Anand, a DuPage County 4-H youth science ambassador and program presenter. “I could not miss a chance to help others understand the importance of protecting the current environment and climate.”

Presenters gained experience in sharing a scientific and data-driven message, but also in adapting that messaging to a global audience.

Jo Daviess County youth become better environmental stewards while getting hands on experience with vermicomposting

"As our students participated in the Junior Solar Sprint project, we witnessed students collaborating together, helping each other learn, and an increased willingness to keep trying new ideas. This project allowed our students to see immediate results of their actions and gain a better understanding of how solar energy works!" -Educator Survey Response

Youth become active citizen scientists through RiverWatch program

The Illinois 4-H Foundation graciously supported the Illinois RiverWatch citizen science initiative that teaches youth and adults how to collect data on an “adopted” stream and report it to a central database to help safeguard Illinois' rivers and streams.

The trainings are day-long introductions conducted by certified volunteers and coordinated through the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center.

Youth in Piatt County test their solarpowered car designs.