Conservation Education Marks its 46th Year!

3542 Turner Road

Cornell University                                                                      Jamestown, New York 14701

Cooperative Extension

Chautauqua County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Emily Kidd

664-9502, x212

 

CONSERVATION EDUCATION MARKS ITS 46^th YEAR

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Program to conduct Conservation Field Days

 

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (May 17, 2012) — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Program is proud to announce the 46^th Annual Conservation Fields Days Event, which will be held on Wednesday, May 23 and Thursday, May 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:25 p.m. at Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center in Bemus Point, NY. Remembered by many as one of the greatest fifth grade field trips in the county, Conservation Field Days provides Chautauqua County youth an opportunity to learn about environmental conservation issues “beyond classroom walls.” Conservation Field Days began in 1966 under the inspiration of James Gould. Mr. Gould was the Cornell Cooperative Extension Director that organized and implemented the very first Conservation Field Days.

 

Conservation Field Days invites all Chautauqua County fifth grade students to participate in seven sessions concerning conservation. This year 4-H is excited to have returning subject matter experts whom will be teaching lessons related to conservation and the environment. 4-H is also seeking new instructors to teach engaging and interactive 20 minute presentations that relate to conservation. Some current topics include trapping, fishing, recycling, beekeeping, soil and water conservation, grapes, wild flowers, bugs, rabies, baby animals and many more. Conservation Field Days provides a unique opportunity for adults to share their passion, knowledge, and talents with Chautauqua County students.

 

Conservation Field Days is just one of many programs available through the Chautauqua County 4-H Youth Development. Program activities and events are designed to provide children with quality youth development opportunities that otherwise may not be available or accessible. Cornell Cooperative Extension development programs create a supportive learning environment in which diverse youth and adults reach their fullest potential as capable, competent, and caring citizens.

 

Through 4-H programs youth experience opportunities of positive youth development including independence, belonging, generosity, and mastery. Conservation Field Day attendees are encouraged to interact with colleagues and adult instructors in learning about our environment and conservation. Youth may be asked by instructors to solve problems, work through a scenario, and/or observe natural occurrences. Youth are encouraged to reflect on their experiences at Conservation Field Days through a county-wide essay contest sponsored in conjunction with Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District.

 

Youth at the 2012 Conservation Field Days listen to Shannon Wilson share her experiences as with Wildlife Rehabilitation

If you would are interested in this event, other 4-H activities or have any questions, please contact the 4-H Office, at 664-9502, ext. 214.

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension…we put research-based knowledge to work for Chautauqua County residents involved in agriculture, the environment, youth development and human services. Cornell Cooperative Extension is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 and all donations are a charitable contribution.

2012 Animal Crackers in 3D– Discovering Dairy and Dog Science

Held on Saturday, May 5th, the annual educational spring outreach event, affectionately known as “Animal Crackers” hosted by the Department of Animal Science, reached a maximum capacity crowd in Morrison Hall with over 300 participants travelling from 34 different counties in New York State. The workshop series was once again organized by a planning committee of campus and county based Cooperative Extension 4-H Educators in cooperation with Department of Animal Science staff and was designed to encourage youth to engage in science themes related to animals.

From reproduction, disease, nutrition and animal behavior topics to total mixed rations, forage analysis and linear evaluation, Animal Crackers has been addressing the current national 4-H mission of “growing one million new scientists” for over 22 years.

This year, with the help of nearly 40 volunteers, 18 different workshop experiences were offered to 4-H’ers who had an interest in dairy cattle and dogs. Guests were treated to opening remarks by our new state 4-H Program Leader, Dr. Valerie Adams, who encouraged attendees to Stand Up for Agriculture and be advocates for its importance. Careers that involve feeding the world and solving issues faced by populations around the globe are in great demand. Keynote speaker, Professor David Levitsky, also inspired participants to make healthy choices for themselves and their animals when making decisions about nutritional contents of foods. A colorful plate and well balanced meal includes more than carbohydrates found in pasta. Protein and calcium, found in dairy products, for example, are essential
nutrients all growing children and animals need!
The primary objectives of the 4-H youth animal science program are to: 1) Increase understanding of and engage youth in critical thinking about animal biology concepts, 2) Increase understanding of safe, ethical, responsible and sustainable ways to raise and manage domestic animals, and 3) Increase career awareness and access to educational opportunities needed to prepare for animal industry related careers in adulthood.
Since 1991, Animal Crackers has often been credited by 4-H’ers as their very first step onto a college campus which gave them inspiration and encouragement to continue exploring opportunities to learn more. Many thanks go out to all the volunteer instructors from Cornell faculty, staff and students, Cooperative Extension Educators, and community collaborators to business partners.

The 2012 event would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors including the NYS 4-H Foundation Willman Fund, Wegmans of Ithaca, and the American Kennel Club.

To learn more about future opportunities to connect kids to Cornell, visit Cornell Cooperative
Extension’s 4-H Youth Development website http://nys4h.cce.cornell.edu/Pages/default.aspx or Cornell’s Department of Animal Science http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/crackers/index.html

Ross Grange Recognizes 4-H Leader of the Year

Robert Cross (center) receives the Grange sponsored 4-H Volunteer of the year award. Left to right: Opal Sprague, 4-H volunteer and Ross Grange Member, Robert Cross 4-H Volunteer and 3 C’s Catering, Emily Kidd, 4-H Issue Leader and Bryanna Warner (front), Frewsburg Hayseeds 4-H Member.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-CH) congratulates 4-H Leader Robert Cross for receiving the Leader of the Year Award from the Ross Grange.  Cross was recognized by the Grange’s for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the 4-H Program.
 
Cross is a very active and involved volunteer in CCE-CH’s 4-H Youth Development Program. He has helped 4-H in many ways throughout the years as a Foods Leader and as a Cake Decorating instructor. Robert most recently helped organize the Have a Heart for 4-H Benefit Dinner. Robert also donated his time, talents, facility and staff to make this fundraiser a huge success for 4-H.
 
Robert Cross was nominated by the Frewsburg Hayseeds 4-H family.  In their letter, they nominated Cross for, going above and beyond the call of duty; for his dedication, commitment and for being a positive role model for other leaders, volunteers, and the youth in Chautauqua County.

Dairy Club in Saratoga County participates in Choose Health activities

Making a Tasty Dairy Treat

 

Our club has always loved to play games after doing a project . We have quite a few young kids and they always love to run around after sitting quietly working on a craft project or making a recipe. We are the Dairyclub, and we always have this rule. Milk is the only drink we will have at our meetings . No soda,or juice. “Cows Rule” is our club motto. Our kids know how healthy milk is for you.

Our club was given a chance this year to be involved with the Choose Health project . The President and Vice-president took the role of health officers with one being in charge of the game and one being in charge of the snack. We have had a lot of fun with the games and talking about the benefits of the healthy snack ideas. Our kids are so active already with farm chores and many are on sports. This project helped them to see the health benefits of various foods and keep track of how much time they were spending in movement.

I believe this project has also given the officers an even bigger and better leadership role. The officers prepared the games and snacks and had to speak in front of the group . They were actually being teachers and I saw them grow over this year. We still have May and June to look forward to!

Staying active with balance tag

This month was our dairy foods month, so we came up with a  healthy dairy recipe that the kids made other than the  snack in the book, but used the game in the book. They loved balance tag. They were all out of breath and sweaty when we were done.

4-H Certifies New Tractor Operators

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Program conducted their annual Tractor and Farm Machinery Safety Certification Course for area youth age 14 and older.  Sessions included both classroom- style lessons and hands-on opportunities for all participants.  Experiences learned in this course will help prevent injury and save lives.
 
The HOOA (Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture) law states, in summation, that all 14-16 year old youth who are seeking employment in the agricultural industry must receive the training as required by the U.S. Department of Labor. The only exemption is for youth working on their own farm. The HOOA was originally promulgated in January 1968. When youth become 16 years of age, this law no longer applies to their employment; however certification provides valuable knowledge and safety tips for all ages. You can learn more about state regulations by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor’s Youth and Labor: Agricultural employment webpage: www.dol.gov/dol/topic/youthlabor/agriculturalemployment

Agriculture is a very dangerous industry and at many agricultural worksites there are hazards associated with:
-Equipment operation
-Crop and livestock production
-Agricultural Buildings
-Chemical use and storage
-Highway transportation
 
Tractor Safety Certification Training will prepare a student for dealing with the hazards and risks in agriculture. Certification also provides youth greater opportunity in obtaining employment. Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Tractor and Farm Machinery Safety Course instructs participants in a safe and welcoming environment that fosters growth, insight and learning. This course not only allows youth to drive a tractor and trailer, but requires that they also learn the correct and safe way to hook-up to farm equipment, back up trailers, and drive farm machinery. Each student completed their certification requirements, which included classroom time, homework and 10 hours of driving experience.

4-H would like to congratulate Kevin Rogers of Forestville, Roy Burkholder of Sherman, Henry Kestner of Dewittville, Mark Kuhns, of Sherman, Trenton Meeder of Sherman, Derrick Becker of South Dayton, Jeremy Thuman of South Dayton, Joseph Thuman of South Dayton, and Edward Nickerson of Sinclairville for their completion and New York State Certification.  
 
Driving experiences for this year’s course were made possible by Z& M Ag and Turf in Clymer and Lamb & Webster in Sheridan. Instructors for this course were Dennis Wright, Workforce Development Facilitator at Hewes BOCES in Ashville, with driving portions taught by Dave Wade of Z & M Ag and Turf in Clymer, and Mike Wilson, of Lamb & Webster in Sheridan.  A special thank you to volunteer instructors and coordinators that continually help make 4-H Tractor and Farm Machinery Safety Course opportunity possible.

4-H Member Represents NY at National 4-H Conference

Rachel Fay, NYS delegate to the 82nd annual National 4-H Conference 2012 with Congressman Chris Gibson.

Rachel Fay, a seven-year 4-H member from Chatham, NY, recently represented New York at the 2012 National 4-H Conference held in Washington DC.  She is the daughter of Brian and Mary Fay and a member of the Friends in 4-H Club and Teen Ambassadors 4-H Club in Columbia County.

She joined 200 4-H members from across the country who went to our nation’s capital to make their voices heard. The National 4-H Conference is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off the conference.

“These 4-H members are extraordinary role models and mentors in their communities,” Dr. Biden said. “Just as our military men and women serve our country on the battlefield, these young people lead in our communities. Over the next few decades, one of the tasks that will define their generation will be their support for our returning veterans and our military families.”

“For almost 100 years, USDA and 4-H have partnered to produce some of our nation’s best and brightest, including farmers and ranchers who have supported the American economy and put food on our tables,” Vilsack said. “You all are tomorrow’s leaders. We need you to think big, innovate and help tackle the important challenges standing between us, a stronger middle class and a stronger nation.”

Participants at this year’s conference engaged in personal development experiences that increased their knowledge, resources and skills on issues that matter most to them. Delegates participated in roundtable discussions with partnering federal agencies about topics specific to issues affecting youth and communities nationwide and the role 4-H can play in addressing those issues. Issue topics for this year’s conference included: alcohol and drug use prevention, youth suicide prevention, healthy eating and living, equal education for under-represented groups, integration of veteran and military families into local communities, and using science and technology to improve local communities.
Since the first conference in 1927, the National 4-H Conference, known as the “Secretary’s Conference,” continues to be USDA’s premier forum to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program.

By participating in five activity-filled days, Rachel  interacted with teens from across the country, participated in workshops meant to show her how she can make a difference, listened to inspirational speakers and visited with her own legislators.

When asked to share meaningful highlights of her experience, Rachel had much to say. While she applied to represent New York at the conference so she could experience government at a federal level, acquire leadership skills, learn about 4-H across the USA, and have a professional experience, she admits that she came away with much more.
Rachel noted that the presentation she helped give for the USDA was the most significant aspect of her participation at conference. This is how she describes it: “A group of 18 4-Hers from across the country and I collaborated to conduct research and share personal experiences we had in our own communities on the topic of lack of physical and health education in our states. After our presentation at the USDA we had a 40-minute discussion with professionals on President Obama’s advisory committee for PALA and the First Lady’s advisory committee for Let’s Move. I felt that during our discussion they truly listened to our opinions.”

Rachel shares that this experience has inspired her to help people have a voice in local, state and federal government – on issues that affect them. As she looks to her future she says, “Visiting our Nation’s capital opened my eyes to all the different jobs our country has to offer. I hope to become more active in my state Legislature and, in collaboration with Congressman Gibson’s office, the federal Legislature. I hope at one point in my life to be working with the USDA in research and programs. Until then, though, I plan to keep on helping my community.”

4-H Club Leadership is “All in the Family”

Judy Bury and Roberta Keller

Have you ever heard the saying, “like father like son”? In this case I must say, “like mother like daughter”! Recently I had the opportunity to learn more about the 4-H tradition of Judy Bury (mom) and Roberta Keller (daughter).
 
National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. With this in mind, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties would like to showcase Judy and Roberta.
 
Judy (Dahlgren) Bury grew up in Columbia County on a vegetable and dairy farm where she was a 4-H member for ten years. As a 4-H member she enjoyed the 4-H projects that were typical for girls at that time – sewing, cooking, gardening and the like.
 
After she and her husband, Gale, married they moved to Ulster County where they each led separate 4-H clubs in the mid 1960’s. At that time it was pretty much the norm to have separate boys’ 4-H clubs and girls’ 4-H because they each dealt with different 4-H project subjects. The girls’ 4-H clubs centered on learning skills useful in the home while the boys’ 4-H clubs dealt more with farming topics such as raising specific farm animals, raising field crops, working on small engines, and understanding the tractor.
 
In 1968 the couple, along with their first child, Roberta, moved back to a farm in the Kinderhook area. It wasn’t long until Roberta was nine years old and Judy started the Blondies 4-H Club. And, yes, the members chose the name “Blondies” because all of the members had blond colored hair!
 
The Blondies 4-H Club was a mainstay 4-H club in the Kinderhook area for 25 years where Judy with stuck with the project subjects she knew well and that the girls were interested in – foods and nutrition, clothing and textiles, and childcare. Often they would find a community partner and even Roberta’s father, Gale, to teach something different such as CPR, photography, woodworking or rocketry. Three years after the 4-H club started neighbor, Paul Chittenden, helped them get a start in the dairy cattle project, which became another mainstay project area.
 
The 4-H club met at Ichabod Crane High School as it was handy since Judy was a teacher there. Over the years Roberta’s siblings and cousins joined the club, along with their friends and others in the community. Even though the 4-H membership was mainly girls they often brought in boys who were friends or siblings. Everyone joined in the same project work, along with electing officers and having monthly business meetings, enjoying social activities and organizing community service.
 
Roberta continued as a 4-H member until she went to college. Upon her return in 1986 when she started teaching at a local public school, she joined her mother as a leader in the 4-H club. That continued until the early 1990’s, while Roberta and her husband, Kent, started their own family.
 
In the early 2000’s Roberta transitioned to her own 4-H club, the Udderly Impossibles. Again, she started with her own oldest child, Bret, and his friends. The Udderly Impossibles continues today and has members ranging in age from 18 to 5. Roberta is the organizational leader and, now, mom is a project leader. They were both recognized in 2010 with 4-H leadership awards. Judy received the Ruby Clover Award for 30 years of service to 4-H. Roberta received the Diamond Clover Award for her 20 years of service to 4-H. These awards recognize years of service to 4-H as a volunteer leaders, by Cornell Cooperative Extension and the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
 
Both Judy and Roberta do admit that leading a 4-H club is a commitment but they also find it very satisfying. There is so much that children can learn from being part of a community program like 4-H. They can learn about many different subjects, either with the support of those in their clubs or on their own with the support of the project curriculum. They also experience making decisions as a group, helping others through community service, teaching others through the public presentation program and having fun with their friends.
 
What is the common thread between mother and daughter? Why do they continue this monthly and more commitment? Throughout our conversation I heard a theme of caring and pride. What a legacy they are leaving – for their family and their community.