Evaluating and enhancing Indiana 4-H member participation in natural resource education

The purpose of this research study is to discover means to increase participation and interest of youth in Indiana 4-H natural resource projects and programs. This study is designed to identify potential barriers to participation by youth in natural resource projects and learn how to improve youth participation. There were three participant groups in this research study: Indiana 4-H Youth Development and Agricultural and Natural Resource Extension Educators, identified natural resource professionals, and current Indiana 4-H natural resource members. The three groups completed separate online surveys when they received notification from the researchers via an email. Participation was anonymous and voluntary. Fifty-nine percent of the youth reported that their biggest motivator for continued participation in natural resource projects was their enjoyment or interest in the topic(s). Other motivators for youth to stay involved included: family members (10%); the pursuit of a career in a related field (7.1%); and awards and recognition (5.7%). Approximately one-third of the 4-H members and Extension Educators reported the greatest barrier to youth participation was a low interest by youth. The Extension Educators, natural resource professionals, and 4-H members all indicated a need for a knowledgeable volunteer or project leader to help increase interest in the projects. Both the Extension Educators and 4-H members agreed that more learning opportunities for youth to learn about the specific topics could also help increase interest. Examples of these learning opportunities are workshops, camps, field trips, field days, and seminars. Promotion of these projects, informational workshops, and other resources should also help increase youth interest in the Indiana 4-H natural resource projects.