Art projects consisted of recyclingmagnolia tree seed pods to make angel

Tag : How to Make Bird Seed 
Hancock Master Gardeners Joe Reine, Alice Holmes, Pat Terry and DotCopeland spoke on soils and things necessary for plants to grow.Holmes educated the campers on how to compost items from a home andyard. A trip outside to a school compost project illustrated howthis concept of composting works in real life. Campers made "plantpeople" and dried flower book marks as art projects.
A discussion on recycling was conducted by DuAnna Ruzicka. Factsabout how long items stay in the environment and how items can berecycled were discussed. Art projects consisted of recyclingmagnolia tree seed pods to make angel Christmas tree ornaments.Clay pots and glass bowls were also used to make "gumball"containers. 4-H volunteers assisting with the crafts were MarciaFreeman and Marion Cuevas. 4-H youth volunteers helping guestspeakers and volunteers with camp were Molly Freeman and CorbinThomas.
Birds and their importance to and in the environment were explainedby Hancock Master Naturalist Susan Epps. Using a collection ofseveral preserved bird specimens, campers learned how bird beaksare adapted to eating different foods. By understanding how foodrequirements are specific to birds, campers learned that manydifferent kinds of birds can live in the same area because they donot compete for the same food. The art project consisted of makinga Bird Identification Wheel, which was was used as a guide toidentifying birds on a bird watching trip outdoors. Assisting withwildlife was Pearl River County 4-H Agent Meagan Scott.
As part of Dairy Month, MSU Food and Nutrition Program EducatorJoan Thomas spoke to the group about healthy dairy snacks. Fruitsmoothies were a treat along with watermelon for the afternoonsnack.
Hancock County 4-H Environmental Arts Camp was sponsored by fundingfrom a Community Pride Grant from Chevron Pascagoula Refinery,United Way of South Mississippi and Hancock County Board ofSupervisors. Hancock County School District works in cooperationwith 4-H through the use of school facilities.
To help with this type of activity or to find out more about havinga child (ages 8-13) attend the camp next summer, call MargaretHowell, Hancock 4-H agent, at the Hancock County Extension Officeat 467-5456.