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Plants and Natural Sciences
About
Beekeeping – Youth explore the modern methods of beekeeping; study the fundamentals of beekeeping & management of honey.
Birds – Youth may gain knowledge on identifying birds, habitat and care of birds; wildlife watching, recording, etc.
Entomology – Learn about insects, their behavior and life history. Youth will discover the parts of an insect’s body as well as compare and contrast insects.
Exploring Your Environment – Youth interested in astronomy, conservation, geology, energy, weather, recycling, etc. should enroll in this project youth have the chance to learn about these areas and become excited with their environment.
Fishing – Youth have the chance to learn proper catching techniques, identify different types of bait, learn how to properly organize a tackle box and identify different types of fish.
Forestry – Identify forest types, forest products, and trees as well as determine the age of a tree by counting rings. In this project you will understand forest competition, and learn the life cycle of a tree.
Hunting & Wildlife – Learn the history, philosophy and laws of hunting. Learn to plan and equip yourself for a hunt as well as learn basic taxidermy.
Outdoor Adventures – This project is for youth interested in camping, canoeing, backpacking, hiking, skiing or other outdoor adventures. Project members will learn all the basics of camping and other outdoor activities.
Wildflowers – Learn about wildflowers in your neighborhood; learn to identify wildflowers and how to collect them; discover how humans affect wildflowers.
Crops – Youth interested in raising corn, wheat, soybeans, alfalfa, oats, barley, haylage, etc. should enroll in this project. Youth will learn about germination, planting, nutrients, harvesting, and storage of crops.
Flowers – Project members will learn to identify flower parts and their functions, give flower presentations, identify different flower types, and learn the basics about landscaping.
Gardening – Youth interested in growing and harvesting vegetables, fruits, or herbs should enroll in this project. Youth will learn how to grow vegetables and learn about soil testing.
House Plants – Through this project youth will learn how to identify plant parts and their functions, grow house plants, and learn about plant pinching for propagation.
Plant Crafts – Plant crafts is a project where youth can learn how to make flower arrangements and corsages as well learn about plant materials and drying techniques.
Project Leader
Sharon Schweitzer (920) 650-7110 or rwses@idcnet.com
Meetings
To-Do at Home
- Plant Crafts Supplement
- Plant Crafts (Drying Flowers)
- Joe Orman’s Naked-Eye 100 (Astronomy)
- Key to a Life in a Pond (bugs and such)
- Vegetable Cultivars and Planting Guide for Wisconsin Gardens
- Mulches for Home Gardens and Plantings
- Evaluating and Judging Flowers and Indoor Plants
- Exhibiting and Judging Vegetables
- Try Winter-Sowing in a mini greenhouse. You can find the directions here: “Winter-Sowing: A Garden for the House” by Kevin Lee Jacobs. You can still start seeds listed for starting in January, February and March. Our nights are still cold.
- Here are a few resources to help inspire young people with the wonders of wildlife and nature:
- Free Ranger Rick Digital magazines and content: Free access to the digital editions, activities, and resources of Ranger Rick are available through June. Parents working to educate and entertain their children while schools are closed also can access the monthly Ranger Rick Educator’s Guides and Ranger Rick Jr. Parent Reading Guides.
- Free Eco-Schools Curricula and Program: Free access to the full array of curricula, activities, and projects for the National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools Program. The National Wildlife Federation’s 4th annual EcoCareers Conference will be held online April 1-2. The virtual conference will connect students and young professionals with wildlife and sustainability careers, educate attendees about related credentials and academic offerings, and inform them about trends in these emerging and exciting fields.
- Free Garden for Wildlife Tips: Free access to the array of information, tips, and services to help gardeners attract more butterflies, birds, and other wildlife in their backyards.
- Want more information? Download the National Wildlife Federation’s new Nature Guides to learn more about the wildlife and plants you encounter on your hikes and outdoors adventures.