Meeker County 4-H’er creates buzz for pollinators in OWLS program

Are you a 4-H member who loves animals and exploring nature? The 4-H Outdoor Wilderness Leadership & Service (OWLS) program is for youth in grades 6 and up who are interested in learning about the wilderness and building their leadership skills. 

OWLS is a one-year program that includes online Zoom meetings, in-person weekend retreats, and even a Boundary Waters canoe trip! Throughout the year, participants gain important wilderness expertise, explore career opportunities, build leadership and public speaking skills, and bond with other like-minded youth. Participants are also encouraged to complete a conservation project that will benefit their community regarding a nature-related topic of their choice. 

Meeker County 4-H’er Maisy Geurts recently completed her year in the OWLS program. Maisy’s conservation project was to organize and lead a 4-H day camp to educate kids about local pollinators and their importance to our environment. The 2024 Butterflies & Blossoms camp included hands-on activities for participants, like making seed bombs, flower crowns, a flower scavenger hunt, and interactive group games. Participants planted their own take-home flower baskets with plants that support pollinators in the area. 

At the 2024 Meeker County Fair, Maisy also hosted activities and crafts in the Kids Coop to reach more people within her community. “I hope to continue spreading awareness and growing my project,” Maisy said. 

After completing her year in the program, she is now a member of the OWLS Flock. Flock members are former OWLS participants who were selected to come back as youth leaders. Maisy looks forward to assisting with the program throughout 2025. 

For more information regarding the 4-H Outdoor Wilderness Leadership & Service program contact your local Extension office or visit the University of Minnesota Extension website at extension.umn.edu. 

Submitted by Frances Geurts, Meeker County 4-H Federation Reporter