4-H Delivers

A Contribution to the Redlands Live Oak Canyon

The Issue

While many people travel to see the Live Oak Canyon in Redlands, California, some are surprised to find there is very limited literature on the region's flora and fauna. Since the development of the Redlands Conservancy, there has only been one survey done of the area. As a result, the history, names of plants and animals, and general trivia of the land go unnoticed.

What has 4-H Done?

Henry Frey, a 4-Her of East Valley 4-H Club, submitted a Service Learning RFP application and was awarded funds to create a brochure about the Redlands Live Oak Canyon area. After long hours of research, meetings with local plant expert Dr. Harold Hill, and the support of the East Valley 4-H photography group, Henry developed a detailed brochure that covers many aspects of the area. The brochure not only includes the flora and fauna of Live Oak, but it also provides information about the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area, descriptions of which plants are edible, facts about native and non-native foliage, and a list of the endangered species that inhabit the area.

The Payoff

Upon completion of the brochure, the Redlands Conservancy has chosen to use the information in order to inform the public and secure funding to preserve the area as a community park. Henry has proven that with a little hard work and determination, a lot can be achieved.

Author: Henry Frey