College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Wild Spartans: Raptor Conservation with Libby Mojica

Published on January 12, 2021

In this 4-H Wild Spartans episode, we take to the skies to talk to an ornithologist about the raptors that inspire us! Learn about researching, protecting, and conserving raptors that soar our skies. Meet EDM wildlife biologist, Libby Mojica, learn about her field work, and the education and career path she followed to get there as she discusses “Raptor Conservation and Management: Working with Birds of Prey in Cities and Wildlands.”

Wild Spartans: Searching for Vernal Pools with Yu Man Lee

Published on March 9, 2021

In this episode, we will take a dive into the springtime ephemeral pools in the woods to discover the treasures within! We will talk to a herpetologist about researching and conserving amphibians and reptiles. Meet Yu Man Lee, Conservation Scientist, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, learn about her field work, and the education and career path she followed to get there.

Starting a Leaf Collection

Start a leaf collection! Join Michigan State University Extension 4-H  Program Coordinator Seth Martin to learn how to select and preserve leaves to start a leaf collection. 

4-H Ocean Explorers: Seahorses - Spiny Superdads

Published on July 2, 2020

Join as we learn about seahorses! A 4-H volunteer who works as a marine science educator at a major U.S. aquarium will teach us all about seahorses in this engaging lesson, including where they live, what they eat, why they're superdads, and whether they are a fish, a horse, or something else entirely!

Wild Spartans: Protecting Michigan's Bats with John DePue

Published on October 26, 2020

In this 4-H Wild Spartans episode, meet Michigan DNR biologist, John DePue, learn about his field work, and his education and career path as he shares his work "Protecting Michigan's Bats."

Wild Spartans: Science in Zookeeping & Conservation with Caitlin Mack

Published on November 10, 2020

In this 4-H Wild Spartans episode, we head to the sub-Sahara to learn about African painted (wild) dogs. Meet MSU graduate researcher, Caitlin Mack, learn about her work on the social behavior and conservation of these rare carnivores, and the education and career path she followed as she discusses “Science in Zookeeping and Conservation.”

4-H Ocean Explorers: Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle

Published on April 30, 2020

Discover more about sea turtles, their life cycles, habitat and needs. Presenter is a 4-H volunteer who works at a major US aquarium as a marine science educator.

Wild Spartans: Invasive Species with Taylor Haas

Published on December 8, 2020

In this 4-H Wild Spartans episode, we go upstream to learn about sea lamprey, an oceanic species invading the Great Lakes. Meet MSU graduate researcher, Taylor Haas, learn about his field work, and the education and career path he followed to get there in his presentation, “Invasive Species and I: A Scientist’s Tale of Working with Wildlife from Elsewhere”.

4-H Ocean Explorers: Orcas - Pandas of the Sea

Published on July 2, 2020

Join us as we learn about orcas! In this engaging presentation, a 4-H volunteer who works as a marine science educator at a major U.S. aquarium will teach us about orca habitats, food, families and communities!

4-H Children's Garden Online Butterfly School

Published on March 20, 2020

Make a virtual visit to our 2020 "Butterfly School" at the 4-H Children's Gardens at MSU. In addition to the video, this series of activities will help youth learn about butterflies and earn a Butterfly Friend certificate.

4-H Ocean Explorers: What's in a Tide Pool?

Published on May 7, 2020

Join us as we learn about the diversity of life found in tide pools! In this engaging presentation, a marine science educator will discuss tide pool communities!

Butterflies in the Garden Virtual Tour

A virtual tour of the Indoor 4-H Children's Garden and Butterflies in the Garden.

Wild Spartans: All About Honey Bees with with Ana Heck

Published on February 9, 2021

In this episode, we talk to an entomologist researching the pollinators of our world. Meet MSU apiculture researcher, Ana Heck, learn about her field work, and the education and career path she followed to get there as she discusses “All About Honey Bees: Working with a Superorganism” as we discover what the buzz really is about bees!

4-H Children's Garden Virtual Tour

A June walk through the 4-H Children's Garden with Dr. Norm.

4-H Ocean Explorers: Narwhals - Unicorns of the Ocean

Published on May 14, 2020

Discover the life cycle, habitat, and myths surrounding Narwhals. Presenter is a 4-H volunteer who works as a marine science educator at a major U.S. aquarium.

BeLEAF It or Not! 2: Exploring Vernal Pools

Published on June 24, 2019
Vernal pools are more than just puddles. They’re a healthy part of many forest communities in Michigan.

Crafts Around the World Series Arctic Region of North America: Soap Carving

Published on May 11, 2021
This activity provides youth the opportunity to learn about cultural activities as well as practice soap carving skills.

BeLeaf It or Not! 6: Photosynthesis and Respiration in Trees!

Published on June 26, 2019
Trees employ both photosynthesis AND respiration, although some people associate respiration only with animals. Photosynthesis is a chemical process that stores energy (as glucose) and captures carbon & oxygen for tissue construction.

BeLEAF It or Not! 4: Logging Products

Published on June 24, 2019
The thousands of different renewable forest products all begin with standing trees in the forest. Loggers manufacture a set of raw products from those standing trees, which they purchase from forest owners.