SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – This summer, southern Illinois youth explored the outdoors in a new way right inside their local libraries. Through the Discovering Dragonflies program, dozens of young learners connected with nature, books, and their communities thanks to a unique partnership between the University of Illinois Extension AJMPU Unit, the Illinois Master Naturalist program, and the Illinois Master Gardener program.
Held across public libraries in Johnson, Massac, Williamson and Union counties, Discovering Dragonflies combined hands-on environmental activities, storytelling, and lessons focused on local wildlife to spark curiosity in young minds. Each visit gave participants the chance to learn about insects like dragonflies while exploring stories and science in an engaging, youth-friendly format. The program’s final stop landed at the Cobden Branch Library, wrapping up the season with one last adventure. Throughout the summer, children and families attended these events at their neighborhood libraries, building a connection with the outdoors one bug and book at a time.
This year, Discovering Dragonflies reached over 135 youth across southern Illinois thanks to the support of local partners and volunteers. The program was made possible by the commitment of trained Master Naturalist and Master Gardener volunteers Beckie Wisdom and Patti Powell.
Wisdom and Powell spent countless hours volunteering to help prepare and present this library program throughout southern Illinois. “I love giving back to the community my knowledge and love of nature to the kiddos” says Wisdom.
Powell said she enjoyed “the opportunity to visit a variety of different community libraries and interact with their librarian staff. We are very fortunate that parents are taking advantage of this wonderful resource in their communities. It has brought back fond memories of my mother taking me to our local library for story time.”
Local libraries played a vital role by opening their doors and helping create a welcoming, enriching space for all families. A huge thanks go to:
Metropolis Public Library
Vienna Public Library
Brookport Library
Crab Orchard Library
Dongola Public Library
Stinson Memorial Library
Cobden Branch Library
The series not only introduced students to the natural world but also encouraged literacy, community involvement, and family engagement. Many young attendees left the sessions excited to share what they learned with others and eager to explore nature in their own backyards.
In southern Illinois, programs like Discovering Dragonflies highlight the value of Extension outreach and volunteer partnerships. By offering free and accessible experiences, the program cultivates a lifelong love for learning and the outdoors one dragonfly at a time.
For more information on natural resources education, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/ajmpu or contact your local Extension office.
WRITER: Jordi Oliver, summer intern serving Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union counties, jordio@illinois.edu. 618-833-6363
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.