The CALS Office of Academic Affairs is partnering with the Agricultural Research Stations as well as local communities and educators to provide kids with opportunities to learn from CALS experts. Historically, the college has partnered with 4-H organizations in Dane and Dodge County to bring students to the D.C. Smith Greenhouse and Allen Centennial Garden on campus. This year, Henderlight expanded to other parts of the state. She worked with Anne Williams from Oneida County 4-H and two research stations, Rhinelander and Kemp, to plan free outreach events for youth in grades 4-12 in Oneida and surrounding counties.

“4-H is a valued partner in CALS’ efforts to engage youth in hands-on learning and discovery. Collaborating at research stations helps strengthen this long-standing relationship while providing young people with opportunities to explore research, agriculture, natural resources and potential future pathways at UW–Madison,” says Henderlight.

Potato Science Discovery Day was held on June 12 at Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station. Participants went on tractor wagon rides to learn about potato breeding and research as well as the importance of pollinators. They also had the opportunity to check out the pollinator garden and the Wisconsin Spudmobile, designed and developed by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. Attendees participated in hands-on learning by demonstrating seed cutting, transplanting and planting. Becky Eddy, station superintendent, and Sam Eddy, agricultural operations manager, along with staff and student interns, lead the day’s activities.

Wildlife, Woods, and Water Exploration Day was held on June 13 at Kemp Natural Resources Station. P.J. Liesch, director of the UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab and the “Wisconsin Bug Guy,” taught attendees about insects native to Wisconsin and those commonly found in the Northwoods. Michael Menon, a graduate student in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, then explained how he conducts his research utilizing camera traps. Participants placed cameras in the woods around Kemp to try to capture their own wildlife on camera. Shay Keretz, a research project manager with the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station in Rhinelander, and two technicians then hosted a hands-on opportunity about freshwater mussels and aquatic species found right in the lake at Kemp.

Together, CALS and 4-H are helping connect Wisconsin youth with experiences that inspire curiosity and lifelong learning. Henderlight and the college plan to continue working with stations across the state to host different events and promote the research being done in CALS.