4-H Teens Get Down and Dirty --
Provide Local Residents Cleaner Water
By Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H
Port Townsend’s drinking water is now cleaner thanks to a group of 4-H’ers who care about the environment. Youth in the 4-H Stewardship program took to the Big Quilcene River watershed recently to haul thousands of pounds of garbage out of the area. “We found four mattresses, a water heater, a set of new tires, couches, a dryer, TV, microwave, a crib, baby toys and an office chair,” said 14-year old Donnie. “We went down a steep slope and pulled out (those items) and more typical trash like wrappers, glass, and old clothes and put it into garbage bags.” Donnie is one of a dozen youth from Jefferson County who, along with community volunteers, U.S. Forest Service, city and county employees, spent Earth Day April 23 filling fourteen pick-up loads of trash from the Big Quilcene River watershed which supplies drinking water to area residents. |
 Jefferson County 4-H Stewardship members with tires found during the Big Quilcene River Watershed Clean Up. Back row: Aubrey, Kyla, Natassja, Travis, Donnie. Front row: Hannah, Lucas, Adam, and Sam. |
“The teens involved in the Stewardship program gain a greater awareness of water pollution, conservation, timber management and deforestation and succession,” said Sue Hay, Jefferson County 4-H interim youth coordinator. “They have a great work ethic and are discovering friendships with others who care about preserving the area.”
Students from local high schools are employed through Title II Secure Rural Schools funding and work every other Saturday with Forest Service staff to maintain Olympia National Forest trails and campgrounds while learning stewardship and leadership skills.
17-year old Aubrey enjoys hiking in the area and wanted to help with the clean-up. “The environment is important to me,” said Aubrey. “We live in such a beautiful place and it’s nice to connect with nature. I saw the difference we made clearing out the trail and how clean it was afterwards. It made me feel good.”
Jefferson County 4-H offers two Stewardship programs throughout the year. This spring teens are also working on clearing noxious weeds, planting native vegetation for elk habitat restoration, pruning overgrown trees and shrubs, and restoring campgrounds.
To read more about the 4-H Stewardship program visit: http://4hstewardship.blogspot.com/
Posted May 2011
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