Monarchs & 4-H
Computer Generated Presentation with Script
Mallory Maher
Natural Resources Extension Associate
Clemson Extension
Pendleton
Team Members:
Maher, M1
-
4-H Extension Agent, , Walhalla, South Carolina, 29691
Abstract
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are the most easily recognized butterfly species worldwide. Although they are the most recognizable, the monarch butterfly faces serious threats, and their population has declined by 90% since the 1990s. What would a world look like without the most recognizable butterfly in the world? Because of this, monarch butterflies can serve as an ambassador for conservation for themselves and other pollinator species from around the globe. Pollinator education, primarily focused on monarch butterflies, fits perfectly into 4-H programming and can help create a new generation of environmental stewards. The purpose of the Monarchs & 4-H presentation was to teach South Carolina 4-H Agents about monarch butterflies and how to incorporate monarch and other pollinator-related activities into their county programming. The program’s goals were to increase the number of pollinator programs, camps, and other pollinator-related 4-H activities in the state and teach other 4-H Agents how to incorporate monarch programming into their county programs. The program was held on Zoom and had 16 4-H Agents in attendance. The program featured monarch tagging demonstrations and provided Agents with the information needed to replicate the programming in their counties. Of the participants that completed the survey, 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they felt comfortable teaching youth about monarchs and pollinators as a result of attending the program, and 100% of participants indicated that they would incorporate monarchs and pollinators into their future 4-H programs.
PowerPoint File