The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to announce it has become a California statewide sponsor for 4-H’s 3rd Annual National Science Experiment Day on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. This year’s science experiment will focus on water quality and our nation’s changing climate. The experiment will engage youth of all ages to learn how carbon dioxide affects aquatic animals, plants, water quality and nutrient runoff. Using worksheets and online guides, the experiment will help youth take the above activities and see how water quality issues directly affect their own lives and those around them. With California’s current water crisis, water quality and availability are issues that impact everyone.
“We are excited to work with 4-H on this and future projects,” said Sharon McGuire, Executive Director of the CLCA. “We support 4-H in their mission to work with our youth through hands-on projects related to science, gardening, agriculture and healthy lifestyles. Our sponsorship is being used to offset the costs of not only the science experiment for many local 4-H clubs throughout the state, but it is also helping to fund a limited number of additional projects that combine water quality and efficiency with landscaping, gardening, environmental restoration etc.”
“A number of CLCA members entered the landscape industry after being involved with 4-H or are currently active in some of our clubs,” said Annette Leeland, CA 4-H Foundation Executive Director. “We are thrilled to have the help and expertise of CLCA and their members working with our youth on this and other projects. We currently have over 120,000 youth involved in the 4-H program here in California. This is a great fit and a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to the latest information and technology the landscape, horticulture and gardening industries have to offer. We are excited to bring them on board as a sponsor and partner in working with our youth.”
A public-private partnership between the University of California Cooperative Extension, local county governments and private supporters, 4-H works to strengthen young people’s exploration of the environment and learn how science, technology, engineering and more impact our outdoors and our quality of life. The annual 4-H National Youth Science Day was created to help develop youth interest in science and experiments will take place at the national, state and local levels. Other 2010 state sponsors are Toyota, Time Warner and the CA 4-H Foundation.
An important part of any community, landscaping positively alters the environment, reduces carbon emissions, improves air quality, protects the land, provides food, creates oxygen and sustains life. Plants and trees are also food and shelter for surrounding wildlife. The California Landscape Contractors Association is helping to provide environmental solutions for difficulties caused by California’s changing climate through more efficient outdoor water management and more responsible ecological choices.
For more information about 4-H or 4-H’s National Youth Science Day, please call Annette Leeland or visit the website at http://www.ca4h.org/Projects/SET/NYSD/2010_4-H_NYSD/