4-H Delivers

Modoc County Wildlife Project

The Issue

Today’s youth are losing touch with nature as they spend less time outside exploring the natural world and enjoying wildlife.  In our modern world, more people live in cities and today’s youth are more dependent on video games and television.  As technology has increased, it seems the value of going outside to play has decreased.

According to AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) “The Great Outdoors” is vital to a child’s social and emotional well being.  It is a healthy essential for development.  In fact, just exploring or playing outside goes a long way for anyone’s mental health.

The Modoc County Wildlife Project creates a learning atmosphere for students to experience the natural world in ways they hadn’t realized were possible.  Through hands-on learning, members acquire skills and gain knowledge in science.

Members learn the importance of science and good stewardship to the lands and all species on it.  Encouragement in advancing life skills and future education in a science-based career, along with creating fun while learning, is the basis for the project.

What has 4-H Done?

In 2008, 4-H adult volunteer leaders identified the need for a 4-H “Wildlife Project” in Modoc County.  The project is a partnership between the New Pioneer 4-H Club, Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, and the Student Enrichment Activity Leading to Success (SEALS) after-school program to encourage “Let’s Go Outside”. 

Three volunteers from the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, and one from the Alturas Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Field Office developed the project outline.  Partnering between agencies played a critical role in offering an outdoor learning program for today’s youth.  Through the partnerships, we are able to reach kids in greater numbers and the students obtain a variety of skills and experiences from the adult mentors.

The Payoff

Seventeen youth members, ages 9-13, learned hands on science-based activities around the topics of habitats, wildlife surveys, animal population/management, nest productivity, watersheds, soils, mammals and wetlands.  Modoc National Wildlife Refuge hosted the project at the refuge giving the members the opportunity to “explore” the great doors.

The project brought awareness of the natural world to the members who often took the outdoors for granted.  Members often ask, “Can we come next week too?".

Parents have commented how excited their children are to be going to the “refuge” on their refuge day.  This program has reaffirmed to the kids the importance of nature and the role it plays in their lives.

Additional “outdoor” programs are being pursued to enhance the youth’s outdoor experiences.  Community awareness of the need for outdoor activities has increased because the community is hearing the praises the members offer and the excitement they project about their learning experiences.

Author: LaDel J Bonham, 4-H Volunteer, Modoc County