Environment and Ecology

Observe your Environment with 4-H!

Do you like to learn about nature and the environment? You can learn so much by taking time to observe the world around you! Our planet Earth is full of unique and interesting ecosystems and many of them are right outside of your door!

The goal of this project is for youth to learn about and appreciate their environment and all of its parts.  From the tiniest of microbes, to the largest of landforms these projects help youth observe the environment and learn how they fit into it.

Youth who participate in 4-H Environment and Ecology programs develop life skills that include leadership, responsibility, decision making, communicating, planning and organizing, community service, a positive attitude, and a sense of self-worth.

Learn about:

• Ecosystems and their parts
• Biodiversity
• Populations and Carrying capacity
• Plants and Animals
• Biomes and Climates

Participant outcomes:

• Develop observation skills
• Become confident and competent with a variety of outdoor equipment
• Enjoy the outdoors more responsibly
• Learn problem solving through the steps of the scientific method

Youth interested in environment and ecology can explore careers like:

• Outdoor Product Designer
• Department of Natural Resources Technician
• Wilderness Guide
• Environmental Educator
• Park Rangers or Environmental Specialists
• Outdoor Association Representative

Projects:

• Exploring Your Environment (Book 1 and 2)
• Book 1- Ecosystem’s Services- Learn about the importance of different ecosystems, and how to observe at all levels.
• Level 2- Earth’s Capacity- Learn about the ecosystems and the environment support the populations of organisms on Earth, and what the capacity of the earth means for these populations.
• Facilitator’s Guide-
• Manure Management
• Learn how to apply important ecological preservation techniques when living in agricultural areas and taking care of livestock and animals.
• Beyond Fair Chase (Book and Teaching Guide)
• Learn the ethics of hunting, and how to become a safe and educated hunter who cares about the environment that they live in.  

Cloverbud Outdoor Opportunity: Nature Start

Body: What’s Nature Start? Nature Start is a new grassroots initiative for youth, sponsored by Pennsylvania 4-H. It is different from anything 4-H has ever done before. Nature Start involves locally-based groups for youth ages 5-10. These may be family, neighborhood, or community based, or they may be preexisting groups from schools, child care centers, homeschoolers, after-school programs and others. Nature Start groups will be organized and facilitated by adult volunteers (“Nature Start Mentors”). Youth involved in these groups will participate in monthly “gatherings” to increase their awareness and knowledge of the natural world, gain interest in spending time outside, and demonstrate improved mental and physical health as a result of spending more time outdoors exploring nature. Nature Start is for all youth, regardless of where they live –- cities, towns, suburbs, and rural areas. There’s a piece of nature in every Pennsylvania community.

The bottom line: Nature Start youth have FUN while connecting with nature.

Explore more programs and events

• Forestry and Wildlife Field Day