During the COVID-19 global pandemic and with the absence of a 4-H Agent, the Cloverbud program quickly dwindled over the last couple years in Taylor County. The 4-H Cloverbud program allows children between the ages of 5-8 years old an opportunity to participate in a noncompetitive, educational setting and with age-appropriate activities.

In January 2022 the Cloverbud program started back in Taylor County with monthly meetings. At its initial comeback meeting, fifteen Cloverbud and parents learned about wild songbirds and made pinecone birdfeeders. This was many of the families first experience with Extension and 4-H. February meeting continued the momentum and the group quickly outgrew the project room it was hosted in. Twenty-two Cloverbuds and parents attended, including returning families from the January meeting and new families as well. The March meeting continued this energy, seeing mostly returning families.

The Cloverbud program has also helped to create a united force with the Taylor County 4-H program. At the March 2022 meeting of Cloverbuds, volunteers and 4-H’ers from the Taylor County 4-H Goat Club we able to introduce the Cloverbuds to the livestock portion of 4-H. The 4-H’ers presented on what they do in their club and were able to bring a couple goats and a rabbit for the Cloverbuds to see and learn about.

With growth in program, the Cloverbud program has expanded the reach of the Taylor County Extension Office, introducing new families to 4-H and bringing in first time clients to Extension.