Young people in grades fifth through eighth, can have fun while being a part of cutting-edge research in the new Cover Crops Scientist 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) Club.

4-H youth will

• dissect plants
• conduct soil experiments
• explore biodiesel
• take a field trip to real biology labs

Plus, while participants investigate the role that cover crops can play in our ecosystem and economy, they can make new friends and build leadership skills in 4-H!

This program is free of charge and open to all young people, grades 5-8. (For those not currently involved in 4-H, a $20 enrollment fee may apply. Fee waivers are available.)

Interested youth may join whichever session best fits their family’s schedule and location.

The Peoria-Tazewell session will be held on Mondays from 4:30-6 PM on Apr 4, 11, 18, 25, and May 2, with a special Saturday meeting on May 7.

• Location: Illinois Central College, Horticulture Center, Classroom 1 (1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635)

The Fulton-Mason session will be held on Thursdays from 4:30-6 PM on Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, and 12, with a special Saturday meeting on May 14.

• Location: Mason County Extension Office (127 High Street, Havana, IL 62644)

The Cover Crop Scientists 4-H SPIN Club is supported by the Integrated Pennycress Research Enabling Farm and Energy Resilience (IPREFER) project, a grantee of the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The club is in partnership with the Center for Math, Science, and Technology (CeMaST) at Illinois State University.

For Further Information Contact:

Emily Schoenfelder – 4-H Youth Development Educator, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit eschoe@illinois.edu, 309-347-6614.