Tops in their field

By Staff
County 4-H team wins national award
The National Association of Extension 4-H Agents recently recognized the work of youth and adults in the area of Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship. The Morgan County 4-H Wildlife Club, in partnership with the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, has established environmental practices and identification sites during their work together.
Leader Sandy Shepard and Ranger Daphne Moland have developed a series of monthly activities related to work on the refuge.
The youth involved in the club meeting have picked up trash, identified birds and insects, trimmed walking trails and planted trees in wilderness areas. In the winter months, they have set up feeding stations for the wildlife, including a feeding tree just outside of the visitor's center.
As a member of the Morgan County Wildlife Judging Teams, with the coaching of Michelle Craig, youth have learned management practices, habit control, animal track identification and urban environmental space.
A junior team and a senior team have competed in the state event held in June in Auburn.
Other activities have included developing programs on wildlife and environmental management that have been used by 4-H clubs and adult organizations. These are available through the Morgan County Extension office at 773-2549.
Dr. Bill Million, chair of the NAEE4-HA Committee, presented the award in Oklahoma City, Okla.
"We have read many applications for youth and adult partnerships in the area of environmental stewardship. This is certainly one of the strongest submitted and we encourage the Morgan County Wildlife Club and the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge to continue the partnership in this area. NAE4-HA is pleased to see the range and scope of activities that this group arranges," he said.
Current local members are Alex Paulsen, president, Jasmin Watts, vice president, Preslie Hardiman, secretary, Garrett Johnson, Ben Paulsen, Rachel Paulsen, Jacob Hall, Sharda Swoopes, Justin Parker, Maggie Moore, Matt McGough, Kayle Abner, Tori Hardiman and Cloverbud Meagan Moland.
For information about joining the Morgan County 4-H Wildlife Club, contact Morgan County Extension at 773-2549.
The Wildlife Club meets on the third Saturday of each month at the Visitors Center on Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.