DECATUR, Ill.— Have you heard of the Illinois 4-H Barred Owl challenge? It’s a citizen science project that has been embraced by 4-H clubs in over 30 Illinois counties. Youth in Macon County will have the opportunity to participate and learn about nesting box preferences of these woodland creatures during the Junior Naturalist 4-H Club.

In a joint effort between Macon County 4-H and the Macon County Conservation District, the Junior Naturalist 4-H Club will meet for six weeks 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, February 24, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23 and March 30 at Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane.

“This is an opportunity for local children to learn about the natural world and some of the amazing creatures that live within it by doing hands-on, citizen science research,” Alysia Callison, Rock Springs Nature Center Manager said. “Children will get to survey two barred owl nest boxes and watch potential residents over six weeks, learning about the natural flora and fauna of Central Illinois as they go.”

There is a $20 fee for non 4-H members. Current 4-H members can attend for free. Register online by February 20.

The 4-H program is provided through University of Illinois Extension and is open to youth ages 8 to 18. Youth learn skills for living by participating in individual or group learning experiences related to more than 200 project areas. Find Macon County 4-H on Facebook.

Register Online

Contact

Jenna Ward
Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development
Macon Extension Office
3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 877-6042
jrward@illinois.edu