NEWBERRY — Do you have or know of a youth who is interested in learning the concepts of wildlife conservation, plant identification and habitat management? Newberry 4-H has a project just for them: the 4-H Wildlife Food Plot Project.
According to a recent press release about the project, this hands-on environmental education program and competitive, independent study project will allow youths ages 5 through 18 to establish, maintain and observe a wildlife food plot.
Alana West, Newberry County 4-H agent, said this project will teach youths a variety of life skills.
“Record keeping, responsibility, and youth learn concepts of wildlife conservation, plant identification, and habitat management and have the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice,” she said.
South Carolina 4-H will supply those who register the food plot seed from South Carolina’s own Wannamaker Wildlife.
This is designed to attract and hold white tail deer and other wildlife.
Those who participate will also receive a project record book, newsletters and informational resources to help them along the way, a one year QDMA Rack Pack membership (a $25 value that includes A Rack Pack blaze orange hat, a one year subscription to Quality Whitetails magazine, QDMA’s Aging & Scoring Bucks on the Hoof DVD, Rack Pack and QDMA decals, coupon to QDMA’s store The Shed, personalized member card and free admittance to field days).
The regional and state winners for this will receive awards sponsored by Quality Deer Management Association’s Rack Pack. Newberry has produced a regional winner for this project in the past.
“A few years ago Andrew Green of Prosperity won the Midlands Region and went on to compete at the state level,” West said.
If you would like to participate, but do not have available land, West will work to find you available land to use. In fact, she is currently looking for local landowners willing to help out.
“We do not have landowners picked out already. Sometimes we have folks call to say they would be willing to offer land if needed,” She said.
If you would like to offer land. contact West at 803-276-1091 extension 11 or email her at awillin@clemson.edu.
The cost is $18 for current 4-H members. There is an added cost of $10 for non-members, and this will make you an 4-H member. West said that as a member you will receive a T-shirt and various other opportunities through 4-H.
The deadline to register is Friday, Aug. 4.
You can register by calling West at 803-276-1091 extension 11, or emailing her at awillin@clemson.edu. You can also register online at www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-2018-sc-4-h-wildlife-food-plot-project-registration-35797028877
More information on the project can be found at www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/project_areas/natural_resources/wildlife_food_plot/.