The 4-H Entomology Day organized by CES was a resounding success, demonstrating both the effectiveness of hands-on learning and the power of engaging youth in natural resource education. With eight eager participants, the day was packed with valuable experiences. The group spent time in the field, catching a variety of insects, which provided an exciting opportunity to explore the diverse world of entomology. Following the collection activity, the youth were taught how to properly pin and preserve insects, an essential skill for creating an insect collection—a critical component for any 4-H entomology project. CES's thoughtful planning ensured the event's success by not only providing the necessary resources, such as nets and insect boxes, but also by preparing a well-crafted flyer to market the event and attract participants. 

This initiative was designed with the goal of sparking an interest in natural resources and encouraging participants to enter projects at the state fair. The impact of the day was evident, as 100% of the participants expressed excitement about entering their projects into the fair, reinforcing the event’s effectiveness in fostering long-term engagement with the 4-H program. Additionally, all participants indicated a strong interest in future 4-H Natural Resource events, including wildlife, forestry, and stream study competitions, which bodes well for ongoing involvement in natural resource education. This event not only provided valuable educational experiences but also helped establish a foundation for future 4-H projects and activities, ensuring the continued growth of youth participation in natural resource-focused programs.