The 4-H Ecology Field Day “Was a success”

Submitted by
John Lilly, Director
UF/IFAS Jefferson County Extension Service

The beautiful Jefferson County Extension Office was the site of this year’s 4-H Ecology Field Day. The event brought Ecology home to the students of Jefferson County. Scholars in their respective fields created hands-on activities to introduce youth to various aspects of Ecology, the interdisciplinary study of biology and earth science. Approximately 100 third graders from Jefferson Somerset, Aucilla Christian Academy and Jefferson County Homeschool Association participated in the event on May 4, rotating through five educational stations.
Dr. Chuck Cichra, professor of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Florida, allowed students to seine for aquatic insects. After the seining, students identified and discussed aquatic insects’ role in their habitat.
Biologist David Cook displayed live reptiles and amphibians from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The students had an opportunity to learn about their habitat, and they touched alligators, snakes, frogs, reptiles and amphibians.
Next, Tony Hogg from the Apalachee Beekeepers Association exposed the students to the different equipment needed to maintain a beekeeping operation and the roles that bees play in our environment.
Danielle Sprague, Jefferson County Extension Ag & Natural Resource Agent, offered a session about entomology. The students had an opportunity to ID various species of insects. Students learned interesting facts about insects, different habitats, body parts, and how they communicate. Then students were encouraged to put their entomology skills to work by collecting insects.
Finally, interns from the Florida Black Bear Management Program of the Florida Fish/Wildlife Conservation Commission shared with the students how the Florida Fish/Wildlife Conservation Commission is managing the bear population. The students also saw and touched the equipment used for tracking bears, learned what to do if you encounter a bear and examined bear scat and a bear skull.
The 4-H Ecology Field Day is designed to inspire students to become environmental stewards by respecting and protecting plant and animal habits. For more information a 4-H Programs, contact John Lilly at (850) 342-0187 or jgl@ufl.edu.