March
In March the garden sprouts learned about seeds. How seeds are self contained with enough food energy to carry them through dormancy and their first days as seedlings. We discussed temperature, light and water requirements to break dormancy. We then made newspaper pots and started pumpkin seeds. We learned how to plant a peony. We learned the difference between herbaceous vs. woody plants. We then made seed tapes.
April
In April the garden sprouts played a fun game, How long will your garbage last.
We guessed how long it would take paper ,glass, cans, etc. to break down. They were very surprised at many items. For our community service project we then held a green up day and talked about the different trash found on side of the road. We all agreed that no one in our group would ever throw litter out of a car window! While the children had snack after that we talked about ways we all could conserve at home.
Our next meeting will be at Carla’s greenhouse to learn how a greenhouse is run and to plant a pizza bucket garden.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Cornell Poultry Outing
June 5-6 , 2010
Youth Building, NY State Fair, Syracuse, NY
Cost for the program is $10.00. This helps offset cost of supplies, and dinner. Send payment to Mary Ann Whipple (see contact information below).
Registration deadline is May 15th. The event will be cancelled, and money returned, If the we do not have 35 youth registered by May 15th. No exceptions
Cloverbuds are welcome !
Activities
an Introduction to the National Poultry and Egg Contest, Louisville, Kentucky
Lectures , Demonstrations, Hands-on practices
Avian Bowl; practice questions and answers
BBQ clinic : participants will be provided with Grills, Meats, and Instruction on how to grill and tips for a Public presentation, required in this Contest.
Production Judging Clinic on live birds, for past production.
Grading Eggs: for Interior and Exterior Quality…. Candling Eggs
Poultry Parts ID and Carcass quality Judging., etc..
For more details and Registration, Please contact Mary Ann Whipple at:
Email : whipple6@gmail.com
Phone : (585)- 554-3964
Address : 4595 County Road 1, Canandaigua, NY. 14424
Hope to see you there !
Youth Building, NY State Fair, Syracuse, NY
Cost for the program is $10.00. This helps offset cost of supplies, and dinner. Send payment to Mary Ann Whipple (see contact information below).
Registration deadline is May 15th. The event will be cancelled, and money returned, If the we do not have 35 youth registered by May 15th. No exceptions
Cloverbuds are welcome !
Activities
an Introduction to the National Poultry and Egg Contest, Louisville, Kentucky
Lectures , Demonstrations, Hands-on practices
Avian Bowl; practice questions and answers
BBQ clinic : participants will be provided with Grills, Meats, and Instruction on how to grill and tips for a Public presentation, required in this Contest.
Production Judging Clinic on live birds, for past production.
Grading Eggs: for Interior and Exterior Quality…. Candling Eggs
Poultry Parts ID and Carcass quality Judging., etc..
For more details and Registration, Please contact Mary Ann Whipple at:
Email : whipple6@gmail.com
Phone : (585)- 554-3964
Address : 4595 County Road 1, Canandaigua, NY. 14424
Hope to see you there !
Cornell Garden-Based Learning Blog
Visit the Cornell Garden-Based Learning Blog, an informational, lively, current, and a nice way to advertise what's happening locally.
Anyone interested in commenting, posting, or becoming a more active garden-based learning blogger? Do you have a local event you want us to highlight? We'd love to hear from you...
Anyone interested in commenting, posting, or becoming a more active garden-based learning blogger? Do you have a local event you want us to highlight? We'd love to hear from you...
The Western NY Regional 4-H Shooting Sports Workshop
June 11, 12, & 13 , 2010
Varysburg, New York (Wyoming County)
What: The New York 4-H Shooting Sports Program Annual Regional Workshop will certify volunteer leaders as 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors. The workshop will feature the following disciplines (based on a minimum enrollment of five participants): Archery, Pistol, Hunting, Shotgun, and Living History.
Adults will be certified to teach the applicable discipline to youth participating in formal 4-H Shooting Sports Programs and in camp situations. Each state maintains its own standards for certification that may exceed those established by the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. Participants will be able to complete requirements in only one discipline. All equipment will be supplied. The workshop adheres to all National 4-H Shooting Sports curriculum standards.
Shooting is one of the safest recreational activities and a lifetime hobby. Each participant works to become more proficient by setting their own standards for excellence. Most of all, shooting is fun for the whole family. A major focus of the workshop will be club development.
When: June 11, 12, &13, 2010. Training begins on Friday at 6:00 p.m. and concludes on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Registration is due by June 1, 2010.
Where: The workshop will be held at 4-H Camp Wyomoco, 2780 Buffalo Rd., Varysburg, NY 14167.
Who: The workshop is for those currently involved in the 4-H Shooting Sports Project and those interested in becoming instructors. Teen leaders are welcome and will be recognized as Junior Leaders in this project area. We encourage participation, regardless of gender or physical challenges. Our goal is to involve people who are interested in teaching young people how to shoot safely and to help them learn about the natural environment. This workshop will certify that individuals are trained to be an instructor. Your local county is responsible for approving and enrolling you as a 4-H volunteer.
Training: A minimum of 14 hours training will be done the 4-H way- "Learning By Doing".
Cost: $75 registration fee includes: instructor costs, materials, overnight camp bunkhouse accommodations (men’s and women’s quarters with showers) and meals (Friday: evening snack. Saturday: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack & Sunday: breakfast and lunch).
There may be items to purchase and one of the highlights is the silent auction Saturday evening. You are encouraged to bring one or more auction items! All other costs are supported through the efforts of the NYS 4-H Shooting Sports Committee and supportive donors.
For more information, contact Mark Wittmeyer, 4-H Educator, CCE Livingston County at (585) 658-3250 or by e-mail at mjw16@cornell.edu. Additional information may also be obtained from Kenyon Simpson at (518) 644-2050 or by e-mail at krs36@cornell.edu. Visit us online at www.nys4Hshootingsports.org
Varysburg, New York (Wyoming County)
What: The New York 4-H Shooting Sports Program Annual Regional Workshop will certify volunteer leaders as 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors. The workshop will feature the following disciplines (based on a minimum enrollment of five participants): Archery, Pistol, Hunting, Shotgun, and Living History.
Adults will be certified to teach the applicable discipline to youth participating in formal 4-H Shooting Sports Programs and in camp situations. Each state maintains its own standards for certification that may exceed those established by the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. Participants will be able to complete requirements in only one discipline. All equipment will be supplied. The workshop adheres to all National 4-H Shooting Sports curriculum standards.
Shooting is one of the safest recreational activities and a lifetime hobby. Each participant works to become more proficient by setting their own standards for excellence. Most of all, shooting is fun for the whole family. A major focus of the workshop will be club development.
When: June 11, 12, &13, 2010. Training begins on Friday at 6:00 p.m. and concludes on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Registration is due by June 1, 2010.
Where: The workshop will be held at 4-H Camp Wyomoco, 2780 Buffalo Rd., Varysburg, NY 14167.
Who: The workshop is for those currently involved in the 4-H Shooting Sports Project and those interested in becoming instructors. Teen leaders are welcome and will be recognized as Junior Leaders in this project area. We encourage participation, regardless of gender or physical challenges. Our goal is to involve people who are interested in teaching young people how to shoot safely and to help them learn about the natural environment. This workshop will certify that individuals are trained to be an instructor. Your local county is responsible for approving and enrolling you as a 4-H volunteer.
Training: A minimum of 14 hours training will be done the 4-H way- "Learning By Doing".
Cost: $75 registration fee includes: instructor costs, materials, overnight camp bunkhouse accommodations (men’s and women’s quarters with showers) and meals (Friday: evening snack. Saturday: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack & Sunday: breakfast and lunch).
There may be items to purchase and one of the highlights is the silent auction Saturday evening. You are encouraged to bring one or more auction items! All other costs are supported through the efforts of the NYS 4-H Shooting Sports Committee and supportive donors.
For more information, contact Mark Wittmeyer, 4-H Educator, CCE Livingston County at (585) 658-3250 or by e-mail at mjw16@cornell.edu. Additional information may also be obtained from Kenyon Simpson at (518) 644-2050 or by e-mail at krs36@cornell.edu. Visit us online at www.nys4Hshootingsports.org
New Officer Position for 4-H Clubs!
Choose Health comes to 4-H Clubs! Imagine if 4-H’ers got a brief health message at every 4-H Club meeting. Imagine that one of their own members delivers that message!
Starting this fall, we’re adding the “Choose Health Officer” to our Officer Training Program for 4-H Club members. Choose Health Officer will highlight the Health-H in your club by encouraging active roll calls, challenging your members to set and reach health activity goals, and sharing health tips. They may also help your recreation leader with active games. By early fall, we’ll have Choose Health Officers’ and Leaders’ Guides to help you understand more about the role of the Choose Health Officer in your club. Let’s make our next program year the healthiest one ever!
The Choose Health Officer might do some of the following:
Starting this fall, we’re adding the “Choose Health Officer” to our Officer Training Program for 4-H Club members. Choose Health Officer will highlight the Health-H in your club by encouraging active roll calls, challenging your members to set and reach health activity goals, and sharing health tips. They may also help your recreation leader with active games. By early fall, we’ll have Choose Health Officers’ and Leaders’ Guides to help you understand more about the role of the Choose Health Officer in your club. Let’s make our next program year the healthiest one ever!
The Choose Health Officer might do some of the following:
- Encourage a health-focused roll call activity
- Pose a monthly Health-H Challenge
- Do a Challenge Check to see how members met the Health-H Challenge from the previous month
- Offer a Health-H Tip
- Lead a “Let’s Move” Activity (or help the Recreation Leader with games)
- Offer healthy snack ideas
A Choose Health Officer Guide, Leader Guide, and a Family Calendar will be coming from the state office in early fall.
Community Service Opportunity
At Horse Leader Meetings, we have talked about purchasing clear panels for the 4-H horse barn roof at the Fairgrounds (we need more light in there :)) as a club community service project. If you want to participate, the Extension Office will be collecting money from interested clubs. The money will then be given to the Fair Board to be used to purchase the panels. The barn would need about 27 panels which we can get for about $12 each. If you have any questions, please contact the Extension Office.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
2010 NYS 4-H Horse Show Rule Books
FROM: April M. Winslow, NYS 4-H Horse Events Coordinator
The 2010 NYS 4-H Horse Show Rule Books are available! They are posted to the website.
Changes in the 2010 Rule Book have been highlighted in yellow and when printed in black and white will be shaded grey.
Many people were involved on the team that worked diligently to accomplish this task! This is truly a thankless job! Please thank all of the Horse Show Division Chairpersons if you have the opportunity to do so:
Western – Joe Schwartz
Hunt Seat – Debie Brown-Moon
Saddle Seat – Maureen McCleary
Driving & Minature - Roger Parulski
Dressage – Judy Hoose
Mounted Games – Debbie Chidsey
Gymkhana – Craig Todd
Drill/Parade – Denise Parrotte
Cross Divisional – Dona Scharping
Media and Press – Deborah Saroff
Public Relations - Bob De Visser
Fund Raising – Nancy Harper
In addition special thanks for the exceptional efforts of Vicki Badalamenti and Linda Poppleton (Department web site manager).
Have a wonderful 4-H year! Please help make the NYS 4-H Horse Program a positive experience for youth!
The 2010 NYS 4-H Horse Show Rule Books are available! They are posted to the website.
Changes in the 2010 Rule Book have been highlighted in yellow and when printed in black and white will be shaded grey.
Many people were involved on the team that worked diligently to accomplish this task! This is truly a thankless job! Please thank all of the Horse Show Division Chairpersons if you have the opportunity to do so:
Western – Joe Schwartz
Hunt Seat – Debie Brown-Moon
Saddle Seat – Maureen McCleary
Driving & Minature - Roger Parulski
Dressage – Judy Hoose
Mounted Games – Debbie Chidsey
Gymkhana – Craig Todd
Drill/Parade – Denise Parrotte
Cross Divisional – Dona Scharping
Media and Press – Deborah Saroff
Public Relations - Bob De Visser
Fund Raising – Nancy Harper
In addition special thanks for the exceptional efforts of Vicki Badalamenti and Linda Poppleton (Department web site manager).
Have a wonderful 4-H year! Please help make the NYS 4-H Horse Program a positive experience for youth!
Creative Critters April News
Friday, April 9, 2010
Alexander called the meeting to order.
Jacob lead us through the Pledges.
Samantha took roll call.
Meeting:
~Sashes were discussed. Pins and awards were distributed for unit completion and participation. Pins were distributed for community service and public presentation.
~Our outing to ECHO on 4/10 was discussed and money for those attending was collected. Everyone needs to arrive at 10am sharp. We will be participating in a vermiculture class.
~We voted to hold a bake sale for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. We will hold this outside of Wal-Mart in the very near future.
~Small animal paperwork was distributed and completed for all members planning on showing small animals at this year's fair.
~Club t-shirts were decided upon and all members will receive 1 t-shirt paid for with club dues. Additional shirts are available for purchase, as well as sweatshirts. Money for these is due at the May 7th meeting.
~We will he holding a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss fair. There will be no dues for this meeting. A date will be scheduled and all will be notified.
Projects and Activities:
~Each member created a birthday card for the Evergreen Valley Nursing Home. These were passed around for everyone to sign.
~We started our cooking unit and our first recipes were apple cinnamon toast and hot chocolate.
~We completed a science experiment (an inflating reaction).
~All members present made a critter condo for worms.
~Everyone interested in staying after the meeting completed their project records. Remember, these should be updated after each meeting so you don't fall behind.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
7 members of the club took an outing to ECHO. We had the opportunity to attend a Vermiculture class. We learned about the body of the worm, how worms help the garden and that worms have 5 hearts! We were also given the opportunity to get a closer look at the worms by using a magnifying glass. We even got to measure them with rulers to see how long they were.
Alexander called the meeting to order.
Jacob lead us through the Pledges.
Samantha took roll call.
Meeting:
~Sashes were discussed. Pins and awards were distributed for unit completion and participation. Pins were distributed for community service and public presentation.
~Our outing to ECHO on 4/10 was discussed and money for those attending was collected. Everyone needs to arrive at 10am sharp. We will be participating in a vermiculture class.
~We voted to hold a bake sale for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. We will hold this outside of Wal-Mart in the very near future.
~Small animal paperwork was distributed and completed for all members planning on showing small animals at this year's fair.
~Club t-shirts were decided upon and all members will receive 1 t-shirt paid for with club dues. Additional shirts are available for purchase, as well as sweatshirts. Money for these is due at the May 7th meeting.
~We will he holding a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss fair. There will be no dues for this meeting. A date will be scheduled and all will be notified.
Projects and Activities:
~Each member created a birthday card for the Evergreen Valley Nursing Home. These were passed around for everyone to sign.
~We started our cooking unit and our first recipes were apple cinnamon toast and hot chocolate.
~We completed a science experiment (an inflating reaction).
~All members present made a critter condo for worms.
~Everyone interested in staying after the meeting completed their project records. Remember, these should be updated after each meeting so you don't fall behind.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
7 members of the club took an outing to ECHO. We had the opportunity to attend a Vermiculture class. We learned about the body of the worm, how worms help the garden and that worms have 5 hearts! We were also given the opportunity to get a closer look at the worms by using a magnifying glass. We even got to measure them with rulers to see how long they were.
4-H Camp Wyomoco Dairy STEM Camp
4-H Camp Wyomoco will be offering Dairy STEM Camp July 4th through July 9th, 2010 for youth ages 15-18. This program is for any youth that are looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in the dairy industry.
Sessions will begin each morning at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Sessions will be instructed by renowned individuals from the regions dairy industry. Campers will spend each day participating in dairy related activities. Last year campers took part in 13 different tours of agriculture related businesses and heard from 33 different presenters.
Cost per camper is $100. Enrollment is limited to 25 campers.
If you have any questions about the program please give Shawn Tiede a call at 585-786-2251 or visit their camp website.
Sessions will begin each morning at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Sessions will be instructed by renowned individuals from the regions dairy industry. Campers will spend each day participating in dairy related activities. Last year campers took part in 13 different tours of agriculture related businesses and heard from 33 different presenters.
Cost per camper is $100. Enrollment is limited to 25 campers.
If you have any questions about the program please give Shawn Tiede a call at 585-786-2251 or visit their camp website.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Poultry Processing workshops
By popular demand at our successful 2010 Cornell Poultry School for Small Farms, we are planning to offer 2 similar Poultry Processing workshops at 2 different farms in New York State,as follows:
1- June 19, 2010 , from 10am to 4pm at the MacDonald Family Farm in Romulus, NY
2- June 26, 2010, from 10am to 4pm at the Glynwood Farms in Cold Springs in the Hudson Valley Region.
Each Field day will be conducted in both Classroom and Hands-on practices in a licensed Poultry processing plant, including a Farm tour.
Participants will learn about the proper techniques for humane slaughtering, processing, packaging and sale. Other timely issues such as Health, Sanitation and Safety, HACCP, rules and regulations, processing equipment, etc… will also be discussed.
Class size is very limited. Pre-registration is necessary.
More details and Registration can be found at www.cornerstone-farm.com
1- June 19, 2010 , from 10am to 4pm at the MacDonald Family Farm in Romulus, NY
2- June 26, 2010, from 10am to 4pm at the Glynwood Farms in Cold Springs in the Hudson Valley Region.
Each Field day will be conducted in both Classroom and Hands-on practices in a licensed Poultry processing plant, including a Farm tour.
Participants will learn about the proper techniques for humane slaughtering, processing, packaging and sale. Other timely issues such as Health, Sanitation and Safety, HACCP, rules and regulations, processing equipment, etc… will also be discussed.
Class size is very limited. Pre-registration is necessary.
More details and Registration can be found at www.cornerstone-farm.com
Thursday, April 15, 2010
4-H Silent Auction at Fair
We are planning on holding a Silent Auction at Fair again this year. If your club or group would like to donate items to this auction, please complete an Item Submission form. We use this to make pre-sale tickets to start the bidding before Fair.
4-H Goat Camp
There will be a 4-H Goat Camp at the Franklin County Fairgrounds on June 26, 2010. For registration and more information, visit our website.
4-H Dairy Camp
This year’s Dairy Camp is Saturday June 5 at Miner Institute in Chazy, New York. For more information and a registration packet, visit our website.
4-H Horse Camp
This year's Tri-County 4-H Horse Camp will be May 21-23 at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. For more information and a registration packet, visit our website.
Award Trip Scholarships Available
Regional Trips are a great way to build leadership skills and make friends across New York State and the country. Teens (youth age 13 and older) in Clinton County 4-H have the opportunity to participate in a number of these trips, with destinations from Syracuse to New York City!
Some of these trips are Award Trips; attendance is by invitation only. Award trips include the Capital Days, Washington DC, and NYC trips. Others are open to all 4‑Hers and CCE Clinton County offers scholarships to help you cover the trip’s expenses. You do not need to win a scholarship to attend these trips (including STARR, Career Explorations, and the Agribusiness Career Conference).
A 4-H Award Trip Scholarship covers most expenses of the trip. Each scholarship winner will be asked to contribute 25% or a minimum or $35 (nonrefundable) towards the overall cost of the trip (unless there are special family circumstances—please contact the Extension Office). You can only win one scholarship for a particular trip and will be eligible to attend each Award Trip only once during your 4‑H career. You can win only one scholarship per year.
Award Trips and Scholarships are recognition of excellent participation in 4-H and demonstrated success in the program. We are looking for those 4-Hers who strive to make the best better and exemplify the best in 4-H. Scholarships will be awarded based on the content and presentation of this application and the 4-H Portfolio. Completing an application does not guarantee winning a scholarship or award trip.
The application must be completed by the interested 4-Her and submitted to the Extension Office by June 1 at 4:30 PM. Please call the Extension Office if you have any questions.
For applications or more information about how to apply, visit our website.
Some of these trips are Award Trips; attendance is by invitation only. Award trips include the Capital Days, Washington DC, and NYC trips. Others are open to all 4‑Hers and CCE Clinton County offers scholarships to help you cover the trip’s expenses. You do not need to win a scholarship to attend these trips (including STARR, Career Explorations, and the Agribusiness Career Conference).
A 4-H Award Trip Scholarship covers most expenses of the trip. Each scholarship winner will be asked to contribute 25% or a minimum or $35 (nonrefundable) towards the overall cost of the trip (unless there are special family circumstances—please contact the Extension Office). You can only win one scholarship for a particular trip and will be eligible to attend each Award Trip only once during your 4‑H career. You can win only one scholarship per year.
Award Trips and Scholarships are recognition of excellent participation in 4-H and demonstrated success in the program. We are looking for those 4-Hers who strive to make the best better and exemplify the best in 4-H. Scholarships will be awarded based on the content and presentation of this application and the 4-H Portfolio. Completing an application does not guarantee winning a scholarship or award trip.
The application must be completed by the interested 4-Her and submitted to the Extension Office by June 1 at 4:30 PM. Please call the Extension Office if you have any questions.
For applications or more information about how to apply, visit our website.
Get Ready for Global Youth Service Day
Here are five ways you can help young people gear up for Global Youth Service Day this month:
1. Read NCFY's articles about youth fundraising and last year's Global Youth Service Day.
2. Share NCFY's brochures about volunteering and leadership, "Lend a Hand!" (PDF, 2770 KB) and "Take the Lead" (PDF, 2150 KB).
3. Get updates via Twitter.
4. Watch activities of Global Youth Service Days past.Collaborate with youth to plan and post their service projects using the tools and resources on the Global Youth Service Day site.
1. Read NCFY's articles about youth fundraising and last year's Global Youth Service Day.
2. Share NCFY's brochures about volunteering and leadership, "Lend a Hand!" (PDF, 2770 KB) and "Take the Lead" (PDF, 2150 KB).
3. Get updates via Twitter.
4. Watch activities of Global Youth Service Days past.Collaborate with youth to plan and post their service projects using the tools and resources on the Global Youth Service Day site.
Celebrate Urban Birds eNewsletter
“Funky Nests in Funky Places” Challenge
Have you noticed any bird nests in your neighborhood? Peek in a hanging flower basket…a street light…a store sign…a barbecue grill…an old boot…or under a bridge. Birds build nests in the strangest places! Enter the Kaytee photo contest and “Funky Nests in Funky Places” challenge. Be creative! Take a photo, create some artwork, shoot video, write a story or a poem, or create a sculpture. Just show a bird’s nest built in some out-of-the-way or out-of-this-world place. We plan to create a 2011 calendar with your best entries! Send us your entry before July 1.
Prizes include Kaytee bird feeders and seed, binoculars, sound CDs, books, posters, and much more. We’ll also send the first 50 entrants a copy of our “Doves and Pigeons” poster by Julie Zickefoose.
Learn more
New Bird Quiz
Test your knowledge! Try out the our brand new bird quiz. Take it over and over till you can answer all the questions correctly and download your certificate of achievement!Take the quiz
American Robin by Brandon Green, Oregon
Celebrate Urban Birds Webinar
Do you want to know how to better identify the 16 focal species, collect data, and lead groups in collecting data? Join us on Wednesday, May 5, at 1:00 PM Eastern time for a Celebrate Urban Birds webinar. Pre-registration is required as we have only 100 spaces.
If you plan to attend this webinar you’ll need to connect to the web, have speakers (or earphones), and have Flash installed on your computer (this is a free downloadable program).
Pre-register now
The Pigeon Game
Racing pigeons is a dying sport, but for those who remain in the game it’s a way of life. “The Pigeon Game” is a documentary on the disappearing culture of homing pigeon racing in New York City--a tradition that’s been handed down from generation to generation for more than a century. Unknown to most people, there are still people who raise birds on their rooftops and race them from distances up to 600 miles.
Learn more
Join Celebrate Urban Birds on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr
Check out our exciting Facebook page and become a fan. You’ll see photos submitted by participants, get links to up-to-date information on fun research that educators and families can use in their efforts to connect to the outdoors, get book recommendations, and be the first to hear about mini-grant opportunities, challenges, and more.
Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you think would be interested. Anyone can sign up to receive updates by registering for Celebrate Urban Birds or by sending us an email at urbanbirds@cornell.edu.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab’s web site at http://www.birds.cornell.edu.
Have you noticed any bird nests in your neighborhood? Peek in a hanging flower basket…a street light…a store sign…a barbecue grill…an old boot…or under a bridge. Birds build nests in the strangest places! Enter the Kaytee photo contest and “Funky Nests in Funky Places” challenge. Be creative! Take a photo, create some artwork, shoot video, write a story or a poem, or create a sculpture. Just show a bird’s nest built in some out-of-the-way or out-of-this-world place. We plan to create a 2011 calendar with your best entries! Send us your entry before July 1.
Prizes include Kaytee bird feeders and seed, binoculars, sound CDs, books, posters, and much more. We’ll also send the first 50 entrants a copy of our “Doves and Pigeons” poster by Julie Zickefoose.
Learn more
New Bird Quiz
Test your knowledge! Try out the our brand new bird quiz. Take it over and over till you can answer all the questions correctly and download your certificate of achievement!Take the quiz
American Robin by Brandon Green, Oregon
Celebrate Urban Birds Webinar
Do you want to know how to better identify the 16 focal species, collect data, and lead groups in collecting data? Join us on Wednesday, May 5, at 1:00 PM Eastern time for a Celebrate Urban Birds webinar. Pre-registration is required as we have only 100 spaces.
If you plan to attend this webinar you’ll need to connect to the web, have speakers (or earphones), and have Flash installed on your computer (this is a free downloadable program).
Pre-register now
The Pigeon Game
Racing pigeons is a dying sport, but for those who remain in the game it’s a way of life. “The Pigeon Game” is a documentary on the disappearing culture of homing pigeon racing in New York City--a tradition that’s been handed down from generation to generation for more than a century. Unknown to most people, there are still people who raise birds on their rooftops and race them from distances up to 600 miles.
Learn more
Join Celebrate Urban Birds on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr
Check out our exciting Facebook page and become a fan. You’ll see photos submitted by participants, get links to up-to-date information on fun research that educators and families can use in their efforts to connect to the outdoors, get book recommendations, and be the first to hear about mini-grant opportunities, challenges, and more.
Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you think would be interested. Anyone can sign up to receive updates by registering for Celebrate Urban Birds or by sending us an email at urbanbirds@cornell.edu.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab’s web site at http://www.birds.cornell.edu.
The Lewis County Horse Advisory Committee is hosting a 4-H Invitational Horse Show. The show is open to all 4-H’ers to come and compete on Saturday, August 14th at the Lewis County Fairgrounds. The show will start at 9am. There will be high point and reserve high point awards, as well as an All Around Award given for the day. The judge will be Vicki Cole. There is a $25 fee for the day for Junior and Senior 4-Hers, but Cloverbuds are free.
Feel free to contact Sarah Shue at CCE-Lewis County (sak68@cornell.edu / 315-376-5270) with any questions.
Feel free to contact Sarah Shue at CCE-Lewis County (sak68@cornell.edu / 315-376-5270) with any questions.
Horse Tack Auction
Franklin County 4-H Horse Program is having a Tack Auction fundraiser on Sunday April 25 at St. Joseph's Elementary School Gym on Elm Street in Malone from 12 PM to 4 PM. New equipment will be provided by JP North including halters, buckets, manure forks, lead lines, gifts, summer sheets, saddle pads, harnesses for horses and minis, bridles, saddles, and more! Used tack will also be accepted on consignment. For more information, please call 518-483-7403 or 518-327-3457.
4-H Mounted Games
Fay's Fillies, an Essex County 4-H Club, has invited our 4-Hers to attend their Mounted Games practices. You can go to watch or ride. If you are interested in attending, please contact Fay to let her know (you can call the office for her number).
All their practices are held at the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport, NY. To attend, please bring your horse's rabies certificate, negative Coggins form, and your evaluation card with your riding level (available from the office if you need an updated one). Juniors and Seniors are invited to ride; Cloverbuds can watch.
Here's the schedule:
May 1 at 11 AM
June 5 at 11 AM, 10, 17, 24 at 6 PM
July 3 at 10 AM, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 7 PM
August 7 at 10 AM, 12, 26 at 7 PM
September TBA
All their practices are held at the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport, NY. To attend, please bring your horse's rabies certificate, negative Coggins form, and your evaluation card with your riding level (available from the office if you need an updated one). Juniors and Seniors are invited to ride; Cloverbuds can watch.
Here's the schedule:
May 1 at 11 AM
June 5 at 11 AM, 10, 17, 24 at 6 PM
July 3 at 10 AM, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 7 PM
August 7 at 10 AM, 12, 26 at 7 PM
September TBA
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Poultry Showmanship Clinic
The next pointed even for the Clinton County Poultry Fans will be held on 15 May 2010 from 10am-noon at the 4H Building at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. We will learn how to handle our birds for fair and the expectations for the Clinton Country Poultry Show.....what to wear, how to prepare your bird for show & what you need to bring to fair to keep your birds happy and healthy. This will be a hands on time with your birds. Bring at least one poultry to use for practice. (You are responsible for providing a way to keep them caged during the clinic).
RSVP to the 4H Office by 10 May 2010. (Darlene dbm6@cornell.edu or Alexa ask37@cornell.edu or 561-7450.)
This clinic will ALSO double as the pullorum testing day. All poultry going to Fair (except Doves, pigeons and waterfowl) must be accompanied by1) results of a negative pullorum typhoid test conducted within 90 days prior to exhibition OR 2) proof that the birds originated directly from a US pullorum-typhoid clean flock or equivalent flock.
Bring all your chickens/guinea fowl/quail (not ducks) etc that you MIGHT bring to fair that need to be tested. Remember, you can decide to not to show a bird, but you can not show a bird that does not have its certificate. The tests are provided free to the 4-H members by the NY State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
If you can't make this clinic (or you want to split your pullorum testing into two days), NY State Agriculture and Markets will also be providing free pullorum testing on:
May 21s--10am--- Northern Adirondack School in Ellenburg
June 18--5pm--- Essex County 4H
July 15th--5pm --- Franklin County Fairgrounds
July 16th-- 10am --- Essex County
You are welcome to attend any of them.
RSVP to the 4H Office by 10 May 2010. (Darlene dbm6@cornell.edu or Alexa ask37@cornell.edu or 561-7450.)
This clinic will ALSO double as the pullorum testing day. All poultry going to Fair (except Doves, pigeons and waterfowl) must be accompanied by1) results of a negative pullorum typhoid test conducted within 90 days prior to exhibition OR 2) proof that the birds originated directly from a US pullorum-typhoid clean flock or equivalent flock.
Bring all your chickens/guinea fowl/quail (not ducks) etc that you MIGHT bring to fair that need to be tested. Remember, you can decide to not to show a bird, but you can not show a bird that does not have its certificate. The tests are provided free to the 4-H members by the NY State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
If you can't make this clinic (or you want to split your pullorum testing into two days), NY State Agriculture and Markets will also be providing free pullorum testing on:
May 21s--10am--- Northern Adirondack School in Ellenburg
June 18--5pm--- Essex County 4H
July 15th--5pm --- Franklin County Fairgrounds
July 16th-- 10am --- Essex County
You are welcome to attend any of them.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Operation: Military Kids Workshop
NYS Operation Military Kids will be holding a FREE workshop on Saturday May 1 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Holiday Inn Syracuse in Liverpool, NY. Lunch will be provided.
This workshop is open to youth workers, counselors, educators, and others interested in best practices to support military children and families in their communities. The workshop will offer insight into military culture, the deployment cycle and its effects on children and families. It will also suggest best ways to provide for and understand the needs of military youth. The training will focus on the Operation: Military Kids Ready, Set, Go! manual and the new Deployment Cycle Support Yellow Ribbon Youth Outreach Guides.
Registration is required and spaces are limited. RSVP by Thursday April 22 to sek95@cornell.edu or 315-788-8450.
This workshop is open to youth workers, counselors, educators, and others interested in best practices to support military children and families in their communities. The workshop will offer insight into military culture, the deployment cycle and its effects on children and families. It will also suggest best ways to provide for and understand the needs of military youth. The training will focus on the Operation: Military Kids Ready, Set, Go! manual and the new Deployment Cycle Support Yellow Ribbon Youth Outreach Guides.
Registration is required and spaces are limited. RSVP by Thursday April 22 to sek95@cornell.edu or 315-788-8450.
Spring Family Fun Night
IT’S TV TURN-OFF WEEK SO COME JOIN US FOR SOME FAMILY FUN!!
This is a FREE event for children up to 12 years of age. The night will be fun filled with obstacle courses, face painting, healthy snacks, give aways and much more!! Complete the obstacle course and get a chance to win a new bike and other prizes!!
When-Friday, April 23rd
Location-City of Plattsburgh Recreation Gym on the Oval
Time-6-8 PM
Thanks to the organizations who are donating or volunteering for this event:
Child Care Coordinating Council
City of Plattsburgh Recreation
Clinton County Eat Well Play Hard Program
Clinton County WIC program
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Fidelis Care
Eastern Adirondack Healthcare Network
Peru Central School
For more information please contact the Clinton County Health Department’s Eat Well Play Hard Program at 565-4840 or www.clintonhealth.org
This is a FREE event for children up to 12 years of age. The night will be fun filled with obstacle courses, face painting, healthy snacks, give aways and much more!! Complete the obstacle course and get a chance to win a new bike and other prizes!!
When-Friday, April 23rd
Location-City of Plattsburgh Recreation Gym on the Oval
Time-6-8 PM
Thanks to the organizations who are donating or volunteering for this event:
Child Care Coordinating Council
City of Plattsburgh Recreation
Clinton County Eat Well Play Hard Program
Clinton County WIC program
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Fidelis Care
Eastern Adirondack Healthcare Network
Peru Central School
For more information please contact the Clinton County Health Department’s Eat Well Play Hard Program at 565-4840 or www.clintonhealth.org
Tangled Reins News Report February and March 2010
February
In February, most club members participated in county presentations. Everyone did a great job. Congrats to everyone!
The Tangled Reins had a club meeting where we planned our March activities. We all wanted to do some hands-on work to get ready for the show season. Our leaders needed to know what we wanted to learn so we could plan our activities. So we decided that we wanted to learn more about grooming, banding and braiding, and showmanship. We also planned to do some horse-shoe crafts and divided up supply lists so we would have the right things to do our projects with.
March
In March the Tangled Reins 4H horse club had two meetings. The weather was finally better so we could be outside! At the first meeting, we learned about getting ready for the show ring and showmanship. The second meeting we got to have group riding and horseshoe crafts. We rode our horses even though it started to snow a lot! We couldn’t do all our crafts because of the snow causing problems with spray-painting, so we will have to do more at another meeting.
Two of our members participated in regional horse bowl and hippology competition. Congratulations to Abigail and Holly for doing well and moving on to state competitions later in the year.
Your News Reporter,
Courtney
In February, most club members participated in county presentations. Everyone did a great job. Congrats to everyone!
The Tangled Reins had a club meeting where we planned our March activities. We all wanted to do some hands-on work to get ready for the show season. Our leaders needed to know what we wanted to learn so we could plan our activities. So we decided that we wanted to learn more about grooming, banding and braiding, and showmanship. We also planned to do some horse-shoe crafts and divided up supply lists so we would have the right things to do our projects with.
March
In March the Tangled Reins 4H horse club had two meetings. The weather was finally better so we could be outside! At the first meeting, we learned about getting ready for the show ring and showmanship. The second meeting we got to have group riding and horseshoe crafts. We rode our horses even though it started to snow a lot! We couldn’t do all our crafts because of the snow causing problems with spray-painting, so we will have to do more at another meeting.
Two of our members participated in regional horse bowl and hippology competition. Congratulations to Abigail and Holly for doing well and moving on to state competitions later in the year.
Your News Reporter,
Courtney
Horse Careers Camp- Unique Opportunity for serious horse lovers
Love Horses? Wish you could spend your life with horses? Join us for a fun-filled, exciting and information packed experience learning about Careers in the Equine Industry. The Equine Careers Camp is designed for 4-H youth involved in horse projects. It is a time to learn first-hand from the people currently making a living in the equine industry about the types of equine careers, jobs available, and training needed.
For the sixth year, Ontario County 4-H will be hosting the camp to be held June 4-5-6, 2010 at 4-H Camp Bristol Hills located near Canandaigua, NY. The program is targeted toward middle school youth who are thinking about equine career opportunities but is open to older youth who may have not yet decided on a career. Check-in will be Friday night, June 4th, starting at 6:00p.m. with time to get acquainted. The remaining evening will focus on horse careers with guest speakers.
New York State has over 150,000 horses and 9 racetracks. The equine industry alone provides 12,800 full-time opportunities in New York State. The career opportunities we plan to explore during the Careers in the Equine Industry camp include equine veterinarian, veterinary technicians, breeders, therapist, riding instructors, trainers, and barn managers. Other highlights of the 3-day camp experience will be trips to Equine Centers, Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Center, Arabian and Standardbred farms, a Thoroughbred breeding and foaling farm as well as a retail equestrian center.
Information and representatives from colleges with Equine Curriculums will also be presented. They will discuss entrance requirements and curriculum choices as well as internships offered. Come with lots of questions.
4-H horse lovers from around the state are encouraged to apply. Participants will be selected on their desire to expand their knowledge of the horse industry through an application process. Registration is open now, and, space is limited.
Cost for the 3- day camp is $75 including all meals, if registered by before May 21st. Cost after May 21st will be $85.
Contact:
Call: Amy Morrisey, Ontario County 4-H Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension at 585-394-3977 ex. 429 or email at alm72@cornell.edu for more information or an application.
For the sixth year, Ontario County 4-H will be hosting the camp to be held June 4-5-6, 2010 at 4-H Camp Bristol Hills located near Canandaigua, NY. The program is targeted toward middle school youth who are thinking about equine career opportunities but is open to older youth who may have not yet decided on a career. Check-in will be Friday night, June 4th, starting at 6:00p.m. with time to get acquainted. The remaining evening will focus on horse careers with guest speakers.
New York State has over 150,000 horses and 9 racetracks. The equine industry alone provides 12,800 full-time opportunities in New York State. The career opportunities we plan to explore during the Careers in the Equine Industry camp include equine veterinarian, veterinary technicians, breeders, therapist, riding instructors, trainers, and barn managers. Other highlights of the 3-day camp experience will be trips to Equine Centers, Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Center, Arabian and Standardbred farms, a Thoroughbred breeding and foaling farm as well as a retail equestrian center.
Information and representatives from colleges with Equine Curriculums will also be presented. They will discuss entrance requirements and curriculum choices as well as internships offered. Come with lots of questions.
4-H horse lovers from around the state are encouraged to apply. Participants will be selected on their desire to expand their knowledge of the horse industry through an application process. Registration is open now, and, space is limited.
Cost for the 3- day camp is $75 including all meals, if registered by before May 21st. Cost after May 21st will be $85.
Contact:
Call: Amy Morrisey, Ontario County 4-H Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension at 585-394-3977 ex. 429 or email at alm72@cornell.edu for more information or an application.
GIS Summer Camps for Kids
This is NOT a 4-H activity but a camp that may be of interest to 4-H youth.
The University of Maine at Machias is offering two great camps this summer for middle and high school students in beautiful and rugged Downeast Maine.
MyGIS is a high-tech camp for high schoolers focusing specifically on GIS, GPS and remote sensing. MESSY is an environmental camp for middle schoolers, including GPS and GIS activities. Descriptions are below, and more info is available at http://www.umm.maine.edu/summer.
MyGIS (Maine Youth Geographic Information Systems) (Overnight Camp, Grades 9–12) July 25 – July 31
For tech-inclined teens who are looking for a hi-tech collegiate experience that will be fun and environmentally-oriented and provide them with a head start on college tech courses. Use state-of-the-art computer and GPS equipment, as well as satellite imagery and professional software to collect, analyze, and map data about the changing earth. Campers will learn to use professional software and equipment to build, test, and run computer mapping models, collect GPS data in the field, and analyze satellite images to detect changes on the surface of the earth.
MESSY (Maine Environmental Summer Session for Youth) (Overnight Camp, Grades 7–9) August 1 – 7
MESSY promotes awareness, builds knowledge, and stimulates active and creative approaches to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Campers will have the opportunity to work alongside University faculty, actively participating in important work in the field and in the classroom. Students spend morning sessions on campus; afternoon sessions include field trips to local beaches, wetlands, lakes, and streams.
The University of Maine at Machias is offering two great camps this summer for middle and high school students in beautiful and rugged Downeast Maine.
MyGIS is a high-tech camp for high schoolers focusing specifically on GIS, GPS and remote sensing. MESSY is an environmental camp for middle schoolers, including GPS and GIS activities. Descriptions are below, and more info is available at http://www.umm.maine.edu/summer.
MyGIS (Maine Youth Geographic Information Systems) (Overnight Camp, Grades 9–12) July 25 – July 31
For tech-inclined teens who are looking for a hi-tech collegiate experience that will be fun and environmentally-oriented and provide them with a head start on college tech courses. Use state-of-the-art computer and GPS equipment, as well as satellite imagery and professional software to collect, analyze, and map data about the changing earth. Campers will learn to use professional software and equipment to build, test, and run computer mapping models, collect GPS data in the field, and analyze satellite images to detect changes on the surface of the earth.
MESSY (Maine Environmental Summer Session for Youth) (Overnight Camp, Grades 7–9) August 1 – 7
MESSY promotes awareness, builds knowledge, and stimulates active and creative approaches to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Campers will have the opportunity to work alongside University faculty, actively participating in important work in the field and in the classroom. Students spend morning sessions on campus; afternoon sessions include field trips to local beaches, wetlands, lakes, and streams.
2010 NYS 4-H Horse Program Annual Memo
a few notes from Jeannie at the State Office:
The “official” helmet for the NYS 4-H Horse Program for the year 2010 will be equine riding helmets with ASTM – 1163/SEI or ASTM – F – 1163-04a/ SEI certification.
“Proper equestrian footwear with a distinguishable heel” is required.
An approved helmet and equestrian footwear must be worn at all times at 4-H events when a rider is mounted on an equine, youth are riding in a vehicle being pulled by one or more equines, or youth are handling an equine
Please be aware that there will be no “Draft Horse” Division, “Donkey/Mule” Division, or “Western Dressage” classes at the 2010 NYS Fair 4-H Horse Show. Once again, there will be a “Mounted Games” Division being offered at this year’s State Fair 4-H Show, if there are enough entries.
New class added for 2010!! – Quadrille class will be a new addition to the Drill/Parade Division – the new class will be in the 2010 NYS 4-H Horse Show Rule Book. The Drill/Parade Chairperson will be teaching about this new class at the NYS 4-H Horse Program in-service to be held at Cornell in May. This new class will be offered at the 2010 NYS Fair 4-H Horse Show.
The “official” helmet for the NYS 4-H Horse Program for the year 2010 will be equine riding helmets with ASTM – 1163/SEI or ASTM – F – 1163-04a/ SEI certification.
“Proper equestrian footwear with a distinguishable heel” is required.
An approved helmet and equestrian footwear must be worn at all times at 4-H events when a rider is mounted on an equine, youth are riding in a vehicle being pulled by one or more equines, or youth are handling an equine
Please be aware that there will be no “Draft Horse” Division, “Donkey/Mule” Division, or “Western Dressage” classes at the 2010 NYS Fair 4-H Horse Show. Once again, there will be a “Mounted Games” Division being offered at this year’s State Fair 4-H Show, if there are enough entries.
New class added for 2010!! – Quadrille class will be a new addition to the Drill/Parade Division – the new class will be in the 2010 NYS 4-H Horse Show Rule Book. The Drill/Parade Chairperson will be teaching about this new class at the NYS 4-H Horse Program in-service to be held at Cornell in May. This new class will be offered at the 2010 NYS Fair 4-H Horse Show.
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