2:51 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY - The Micanopy Friendship 4-H club of Alachua County has received a Community Pride grant in the amount of $450.00.
The 4-H Community Pride program involves helping the members of the group learn about their community and encourage them to improve the quality of their environment while completing projects that will make a difference to others. Community Pride grants are sponsored through Chevron Texaco Corporation and are distributed by the Florida 4-H Foundation.
The Micanopy Club's project is to design, implement and plant a Florida Native Butterfly garden to compliment the Town of Micanopy renovation of the community park next to the Micanopy Fire Station. The butterfly garden will be a large, interactive garden that will flank one entire side of the community park. Micanopy 4-H plans to work hand in hand in cooperation with the town, classes and teachers at Micanopy Area Cooperative School, local Master Gardeners and other community agencies such as the Boy Scouts, Farm Bureau and UF Butterfly Research/Exhibit Center to develop a sustainable and truly community based/supported project that is both educational, relaxing and beautiful for all of the citizens of Micanopy.
The Micanopy Club would like to thank you for your consideration of funding this project and allowing the Micanopy Friendship 4-H Club to make a lasting and educational impact on our community and our 4-H'ers lives. According to Alachua County 4-H Agent Ernie Terry, "The total needs of the project are approximately $2,000 and the award from the state grant puts a jump start into this new effort." Terry further notes that a similar project by the Micanopy 4-H Club over 20 years ago resulted in spearheading the existing playground at the same community park. Terry added "It's wonderful to see some of the children of those same former 4-H members continuing a legacy of community development, in the same way their parents had all those years ago."
By participating in Community pride, youth are able to learn more about their community and the impact it has on their lives. They will know how to work effectively in community activities, programs and organizations and develop skills and knowledge in community leadership. Youth also develop an interest for their community as well as gain the experience to improve their environment.
After the completion of the Community Pride project, reports can be submitted to receive recognition at the Florida 4-H Congress Community Pride Luncheon with a plaque in July.
Founded in 1902, 4-H works with more than 223,000 rural, suburban and urban youth ages 5-18 in Florida and is active in all 67 counties, and with the Seminole tribe. All programs are open to all persons regardless of race, color, age, sex, handicap or national origin. For more information on joining a 4-H group in your area, contact your local UF/IFAS Alachua County Extension Office at 352-955-2402 or visit the Alachua 4-H website at
http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu. If you have additional questions, please contact Ernie Terry at (352)955-2402 or email
eterry@ufl.edu.
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