Wisconsin is home to many natural and scenic landscapes. Take a journey through fields, forests, lakes, and more to discover the wonders and mysteries of Wisconsin’s natural environment. Through the 4-H nature and ecology project, you will learn about the interconnections of people and nature. You’ll also develop respect for the natural environment while creating a sense of stewardship toward our natural resources.

Beginning

• Learn about ecosystem services
• Explore watersheds and water purification
• Collect and analyze soil samples
• Learn about different sources of energy
• Explore ecotourism
• Learn more about aesthetics and the environment

Intermediate

• Learn about environmental stewardship
• Find out what natural capital is and why it is important
• Explore local and national land use
• Learn about population capacity and reasons for extinction
• Use butterflies to test the local health of your ecosystem

Advanced

• Learn about climate science and its effect on the environment
• Investigate your carbon footprint
• Learn how to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle
• Identify ways to conserve energy
• Learn about resource sustainability

Applying Project Skills to Life

Enhance Your Communication Skills

• Research an environmental issue and prepare a presentation to government officials for resolution
• Write articles or newsletters about environmental events and issues as well as natural resource topics
• Create a blog about how kids can be environmentally friendly

Get Involved in Citizenship and Service

• Start a recycling program in your neighborhood or community
• Adopt a highway, river, lake or other outside area for cleanup

Learn about Leadership

• Lead your club families in performing a home energy audit
• Plan and conduct an “energy fair” teaching younger kids about wind, solar, biomass, and coal energy
• Lead a group game at your club meeting related to learning about the environment

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Showing What You’ve Learned

• Can you identify local trees? Make a poster to help others learn
• What attracts butterflies to your garden? Find out and share your findings in a video
• How has Wisconsin’s wildlife changed through the years? Create a timeline with visuals of significant events
• Create a survey on what other youth think and feel about today’s environmental issues. Tweet your friends and keep a tally. Report out through a poster, video, etc.
• Create a video on pros and cons of sun, wind, nuclear, coal power
• Create an original piece of artwork using natural objects
• Develop a display or notebook on forest diseases
• Create a field notes adventure pack
• Display your filed notes and findings from your 4-H year
• Make a leaf and twig collections
• Make a bird feeding station
• Create a report on soils in your area
• Make a poster showing a wildlife habitat
• Create a soda bottle ecosystem
• Make a display of the ecosystem your favorite animal lives in
• Make a comparison chart of characteristics of Wisconsin ecosystems and an ecosystem another part of the world
• Build a model of a landfill