Written by Abbie Clay (Alleghany County Extension Intern)
On June 9, 2025, Alleghany 4-H hosted a program for 4-H youth participants that focused on utilizing investigation and observation skills to learn about wetlands. When comparing youth knowledge and skills previous to the program and after the program, youth participants exhibited tremendous growth. Not only did the youth gain new knowledge, but they also strengthened their observational and investigative skills.
Participants met at the Alleghany Memorial Veterans Park and were introduced to “Ally the Alligator,” who is a fictional character who was looking for a wetland to call home. 4-H participants went on missions that “Ally” challenged them to and learned about wetland animals through a relay race and observation game. Then, participants planted Venus flytraps and learned about the different plants that could inhabit a wetland. Participants also assessed a stream for macroinvertebrates and water quality indicators. Investigation skills were put to the test when the youth investigated an area at Alleghany Memorial Veterans Park to determine whether or not it was a wetland or not. Finally, participants built “Ally” her dream home using what they have learned about wetland indicators!
This program was made possible by funding through the Environmental Educators of North Carolina Mini-Grant program. Environmental Educators of North Carolina is an organization that represents and builds connections between environmental educators in North Carolina.
According to EENC,
This year, EENC is thrilled to award mini-grants to 10 individuals and organizations totaling over $2,000 in funds distributed this year. These funds offer direct, supplementary funding to member educators, schools, and organizations to support their environmental education efforts by allowing them to implement new projects, build infrastructure, purchase needed supplies, pursue professional development, and more.”
