Nassau Youth Learn From Master Gardener Volunteer

Becky Jordi, Environmental Horticulture EA IV, Nassau County

Susan Fowler with members of the local Cub Scout troop. It is never too early to learn!

On the eastern part of Nassau County, the presence of 4-H is very small. One of our new Master Gardener Volunteers, Susan Fowler, decided she would introduce her Cub Scout troop to the benefits of being involved in 4-H.

She brought them over to the Amelia Island Lighthouse where Nassau County Master Gardener Volunteers have planted native plants and had each of youth identify the plants. As part of their community service project, Susan instructed the scouts to plant wildflower seeds at the historic lighthouse on Amelia Island. One of the learning experiences of the lesson was to introduce them to Florida's state flower, coreopsis. The scouts did not know Florida had a state flower and were excited to plant seeds at the lighthouse site.

Fowler talked about the importance of cooperation, enhancing the community property and giving back to the community where they lived, and where their parents worked. The children gladly pulled weeds at the site and planted the native wildflower seeds. Fowler also talked about the importance of protecting our native wildlife and how planting wildflowers would encourage native bees and butterflies to stop over at the lighthouse for food and rest.

What a great 4-H lesson in giving back to the community! Fowler has been an active participant in Extension programs, joining the Master Gardener Volunteer program this year after attending our "Crash Course in Florida Gardening."