4-H Youth Sleuth for Entomology
It looks like a
giant mosquito. In fact, some people call this insect a “skeeter eater”
even though the adult doesn’t eat anything at all. Its back end appears
to droop and it doesn’t fly very well. It has long jointed legs and a
wingspan of up to 2 inches. It is seen most often in the spring and fall
resting on flowers or hovering around doors and windows. What is it?
This is just one of
hundreds of mysteries waiting to be solved by Kentucky’s 4-H entomology
detectives and some of the best insect sleuths are found in 4-H
entomology clubs. Club activities offer youths a world of discovery
about nature and some of the smallest and most fascinating creatures
that share our planet.
Insects are the
most abundant animals on earth with more than one million different
identified species. They live in just about every situation and habitat.
Masters of camouflage, many insects use color and shape to survive.
Some, like the Walking Stick, blend easily into their surroundings.
Others, like the Ladybug, use bright colors to frighten predators.
The approach of
warmer weather signals the start of the active portion of the life cycle
for many insects. At the same time, 4-H groups around the state are
pulling out nets and identification guides in hopes of adding to their
collections.
Entomology projects
help youths develop skills including observation, research and teamwork.
By exploring diverse habitats, youths also discover the synergistic
relationship between insects and the trees and flowers they pollinate.
The same scientific principles reinforce school studies that explore the
biological activities of eating, mating, laying eggs, metamorphosis and
death.
4-H youths
can enter their entomology collections into competition at the Kentucky
State Fair. The State Fair Collection Guide is available through the Henry
County extension office or can be downloaded from the University of Kentucky
College of Agriculture’s Department of Entomology website. Go to
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/dept/youth.asp.
Did you
read ahead? The answer to the question at the top of the page is the Crane
Fly. There are several species in Kentucky and they are easy to catch with a
net. You can learn more about the Crane Fly by visiting the website listed
above.
5/26/10
Congratulations are in order to the
following!
Henry County hosted
the District #3 Communication Event on April 24th at the Eminence
Independent School. Six counties participated in the event they were,
Bullitt, Oldham, Trimble, Shelby , Spencer and Henry. Each of the
participants were chosen as county winners to be eligible for the
district event.
Henry County winners of the
District Communications Event: Jakob Beckley, Dillon Owen, and Megan Owen
Henry County had six
participants, they were : Jakob Beckley, Kellyn and Kendall Smith, Meghan
Owen, Blake Owen, and Dillon Owen. Jakob demonstrated “How to Make a Pecan
Pie” in the foods category and received a blue and champion. He also gave a
speech on “Government Budgets” and received a blue. Meghan Owen gave a
speech entitled “Changes” and received a blue and champion. Blake gave a
demonstration on ”Origami” and received a blue ribbon. Kellyn and Kendell
Smith teamed up for a dance duo for the variety show and received a blue.
Dillon gave a speech on “The Best Dog in the World” and received a blue and
champion. Dillon also participated in the variety show playing the piano. He
was selected as one of the best performances of the day and will be
performing at Cloverville during the Kentucky State Fair this summer. Jakob,
Megan, and Dillon are now eligible to compete at the Kentucky 4-H State Meet
to be held at the University of Kentucky in July.
4-H’ers Can Build a Butterfly Garden
During the winter
months, many home gardeners devote time to planning new projects for the
upcoming season. Butterfly gardening is one project that continues to grow
in popularity. A flower bed or garden can be eye catching and, with the
right kinds of plants, can attract some of nature’s most colorful creatures.
Planning, planting and tending a butterfly garden are great ways for youth
to create an outdoor classroom with lots of possibilities for learning. Here
are a few tips to help get started.
Location is very
important. All insects are cold blooded and cannot internally regulate their
body temperature. Butterflies will readily bask in the sun when it is warm,
but few are seen on cloudy days. It is a good idea to leave open areas for
butterflies to sun themselves, as well as partly shaded areas with trees or
shrubs for shelter when it’s cloudy or too hot.
Butterflies like
puddles. Males of several species congregate at small rain pools, forming
puddle clubs. Permanent puddles are easy to make. Bury a bucket to the rim,
fill it with gravel or sand, and then pour in sweet drinks or water.
Different types of
butterflies have different preferences of nectar color and taste. A wide
variety of food plants will give the greatest diversity of visitors. Try
staggering wild and cultivated plants, as well as blooming times. Groups of
the same plants are easier for butterflies to see than single flowers.
Aster, butterfly weed, purple coneflower and verbena attract many species of
butterflies. Overripe fruit is attractive to butterflies as well.
Water your garden with
soaker hoses whenever possible. Overhead watering can wash nectar from the
flowers and reduce the amount of available food.
Another way to attract
butterflies to your garden is to offer food plants for females to lay their
eggs. Some females are picky about the host plants where they will lay their
eggs. To attract a particular type of butterfly, you may need to know the
plant needs for the adult and the larvae or caterpillar. The Salato Native
Plant Program grows many plants that provide food for caterpillars and
butterflies. These plants are available through the outdoor classroom
program.
Butterfly gardens are a
great source for learning about your own backyard environment. They also
offer enjoyment, photo opportunities and an outlet for artistic talent. By
creating a garden habitat, you can help conserve butterflies by providing
food, water and shelter to some of nature’s most enchanting creatures.
To learn more about
plants available through the Salato Native Plant Program, contact Mary Carol
Cooper at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at
502-564-5280.
5/19/10
4-H
ATV Safety
Sources: Jann
Burks, extension specialist, 4-H science, engineering and technology;
Mark Purschwitz, extension professor and agricultural safety and health
specialist.
Summer is just around the corner and owners of recreational
vehicles are gearing up for outdoor fun and adventure. Safety and
education is a top priority for Kentucky 4-H which is in the process of
securing certified trainers to teach 4-H’ers and their families about
ATV safety. Key components of the program include the correct
manufacturer’s requirement of vehicles for youth and adults and the
proper safety equipment and clothing to prevent injuries.
As recently as
2007, Kentucky had 114 deaths attributed to ATV use, which was the third
highest in the nation according to the U.S Consumer Product Safety
Commission. Only Florida and West Virginia had more fatalities.
The Kentucky 4-H
effort is part of an expanded national program to promote ATV safety
education and awareness. The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute®, a
not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America®,
was formed in 1988 to implement the program. National 4-H Council and
the safety institute have teamed up to support safe and responsible use
of ATV’s, thereby reducing fatalities and injuries that may result from
improper operation by the rider. Safety videos, games and the
institute’s new online Rider Course are available at the National 4-H
website. For more information go to
http://svia.4-h.org/atvsafety/.
It is important
that parents set rules for ATV use and discuss them with their children.
The safety institute suggests following these eight rules for a safe
outdoor experience.
It is important that
parents set rules for ATV use and discuss them with their children. The
safety institute suggests following these eight rules for a safe outdoor
experience.
ATV Golden Rules
1. Always wear a helmet
and other protective gear.
2. Never ride on public roads – another vehicle could hit you.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
5. Ride an ATV that’s right for your age. The following guidelines are based
on engine size:
Age 6 and older Under 70cc (cubic centimeters)
Age 12 and older 70cc – 90cc
Age 16 and older Over 90cc
6. Supervise riders younger than 16. ATVs are not toys.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take an ATV Rider Course. To enroll call toll free (800) 887-2887, or go
to
www.atvsafety.org.
Have a safe summer!
Make every ATV ride a safe ride!
For more information
about the safe use of recreational vehicles, contact the Henry Cooperative
Extension Service.
5/5/10
4-H Sets Sights on One Million Trees
April 22 marks the
40th anniversary of Earth Day, the national observance that focuses on
conservation and the environment. In fact, April offers a trio of
celebrations this year with the other two being National Arbor Day and
Global Youth Services Day.
In support of these
observances, 4-H clubs around Kentucky and across the nation have an
opportunity to participate in a unique community service project with an
international scope.
The project called
4-H Million Trees kicked off in 2009 by recruiting 4-H’ers from around
the country and Canada to collectively plant one million trees in North
America by 2011. More than 103,000 trees have been planted so far.
Organizers say this spring is critical to the success of the project and
invite all 4-H clubs and units to organize tree-planting events. Project
leaders have partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to help 4-H clubs
obtain seedlings at a low cost. Participants also are encouraged to
contact local Master Gardener programs and natural resources agencies
for additional information about obtaining materials and how and where
to plant the trees. In Kentucky on Thursday, April 22, the Salato
Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort will give away trees as long as
supplies last.
For more
information about 4-H Million Trees, visit the website
http://www.4hmilliontrees.org.
The 4-H Million Trees
project offers multiple benefits for both 4-H’ers and their communities.
Trees improve local air quality and add beauty to urban, suburban and rural
neighborhoods. Shade trees help cool buildings which reduces the use of
electricity for air conditioning. New trees also help replace those lost to
deforestation worldwide.
Participants learn how
to make a positive contribution to their communities by working in
partnership with Cooperative Extension, 4-H, individuals, businesses,
schools, other community groups and local government. One powerful lesson is
that tremendous results that can be achieved through teamwork.
4/14/10
Results of the 4-H Communications
Event
Katherine Buckler demonstrating
“How to Make Daddy’s Pizza” |
4-H
Demonstration participants: Blake Owen, Katherine Buckler,
Meghan Owen, and Dillon Owen. Not pictured is Jakob Beckley.
 |
4/6/10
Welcome to the 4-H
programs new year! It is sure to be an exciting one that is jam packed
with lots of fun things to do. What is 4-H? It is a youth organization
that is dedicated to helping youth (like you) learn to do things they
want to do. The 4-H program is one of the oldest in the nation; in fact,
the program celebrated its 100th Birthday this past year in the state of
Kentucky! What do you have to do to join? It is easy; 4-H is open to
anyone between the ages of 9 and 19. If you are in the fourth grade and
still eight, don’t worry, you’re still included. If there is anything in
this newsletter that you might like to do please share this with your
parents and call me at the number listed in the upper right corner. I
will be glad to answer any of your questions. If you would like to
receive club meeting times and dates call the office and asked to be
placed on that clubs mailing list.
There are several
areas that 4-H needs helping hands from adult volunteers that care about
youth. The 4-H Cooking Club needs to be divided into two groups, a
beginning group and an advanced group. The club has grown to such a
large size that it only makes sense to split the group according to
their skill levels. The club members are very enthusiastic about cooking
and are always up for trying new recipes and taking on new challenges.
If you are interested
in making a difference in a young person’s life by helping in any of these
areas, please call 845-2811 and ask for Cathy.
3/17/10
4-H / Youth Development 
