Teen Environmental Stewards to meet Saturdays in October

Be an environmental steward in our local communities with 4-H in a unique special interest club forming this fall.

Through this 4-H special interest, or SPIN, club, youth can participate in hands-on field adventures learning about plants, birds, soils, and stream ecology in our local natural environment.

"You can help collect data for researchers through programs such as Illinois River Watch & Mussel Monitoring, E-Bird and Project Bud Burst," said Donna Nuger, 4-H Youth Development Educator. "Plus, this environmental science-focused club allows youth to gain leadership, teamwork and communication skills while getting community service hours."

Designed for youth in sixth to 12th grade, each session is led by a qualified volunteer, and is supported by Extension staff. The group will meet from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22, at various natural locations in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.

The Oct. 8 meeting will be at the Blackwell Forest Preserve canoe launch in DuPage County.

The cost is $20 per youth. There is no additional cost for current 4-H'ers with a paid 2016-2017 program fee. To learn more or register online, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/4hscience. Registration closes when program meets capacity or Oct. 5, whichever comes first. For questions, contact Donna Nuger at dnuger@illinois.edu or at (630) 584-6166.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please notify two weeks prior to the meeting date.

For more information on the 4-H program in your county, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.

4-H Youth Development programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery. 4-H is part of University of Illinois Extension. University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.