Washington Go-Getters learn about the environment and woodworking

4-H strives to have youth giving back to their community in a variety of ways and the program works to provide hands-on learning experiences to youth regarding all kinds of topics. The Washington Go-Getters 4-H Club made both of these things happen with their community service project this year when they built 15 wood duck houses that they will put up at a marsh in March.

The Go-Getters invited Bill Odhe, Lake Darling?s wildlife biologist, to the meeting to share about wood duck nesting habits, where they live and about their young. He shared some best tips on wood duck houses and then the club put their many hands together to make 15 to give back to the environment.

Club leader John Wagner donated wood for 4-H parent Brian Strabala and his children Megan, Jack and James to precut and predrill the materials before the meeting. Parents were at the meeting to provide assistance with tools. The club will travel to a marsh in Brighton to put up the houses with steel posts donated by Mose Levy Co in March.

It was a wonderful meeting to learn from a professional and see members hands-on with parents involved and learning about woodworking and ways to help nature?s habitat.

For more information on Washington Go Getter?s 4-H Club or Washington County 4-H, contact Amy at Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811.