In 2018, the Harrison County 4-H Council leaders worked together to identify ways that we could expand and improve our outreach to middle school students.  Combining several resources and program areas in 4-H, we created a plan to implement a cross-program activity that would combine natural resource and environmental education with communications and leadership.  After applying for and receiving a 3M Corporate Grant, the council purchased water testing and marketing technologies that could be utilized for students in 8th grade to gain hands-on experience with our local water source, its importance, and the need for transformational action.  Life in the Licking River:  A Water Quality Study, is a program that consists of four classroom sessions preparing 8th grade science students to gather water and macroinvertebrate samples, and make environmental observations on several points of the Licking River.  The students would then participate in a single day field trip, testing the watershed at four seperate points.  In conclusion, students gather and analyze data and findings, then present their report to the Harrison County School Board and local leaders.  The program combines science, natural resource, leadership, and communication programs together to create a wholistic activity where students can feel a direct connection to a part of our community.  The program is in its innagural year, and will continue each nine weeks during the school year with a new group of students.  Partnering teachers have described the 4-H and public school partnership and refreshing and exciting, providing an activity that allows students to see an action through from start to finish.  We are looking forward to continuing the water quality study program, working to insure our main water source is protected in Harrison County.