PEKIN, Ill. - Young people can have fun while being a part of cutting-edge research in the new Cover Crops Scientist 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) Club. For over 100 years, 4-H has involved youth in the newest research and best-practices in science and agriculture – and this legacy continues today.
In partnership with the Center for Math, Science, and Technology (CeMaST) at Illinois State University, 4-H youth will dissect plants, conduct soil experiments, explore biodiesel, and take a field trip to real biology labs – all while helping to save the environment. 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 fifth through eighth. 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. Complete details and registration available at go.illinois.edu/CoverCropScientistClub
The Peoria-Tazewell session will be held on Mondays from 4:30 to 6 PM on Apr 4, 11, 18, 25, and May 2, with a special Saturday meeting on May 7. The Fulton-Mason session will be held on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 PM on Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, and 12, with a special Saturday meeting on May 14.
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.
To learn more about joining 4-H or the Cover Crop Scientists 4-H SPIN Club, visit extension.illinois.edu/fmpt or call 309.347.6614.
About 4-H: Illinois 4-H strives to help youth learn skills for living. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H aims to impact the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.
Contact: Emily Schoenfelder – 4-H Youth Development Educator, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit, eschoe@illinois.edu, 309.347.6614