A local 4-H member, Anna Sweets, became interested in environmental issues after attending classes at KY 4-H Teen Conference. She started her own 4-H Environmental Club when she learned there was not a club in Warren County. After collaborating with Warren County Storm Water, she created the club of eight members. The club is open to middle- and high-school students in Warren County. For the club’s monthly meetings this winter, the teen arranged for guest speakers to talk to club members about various environmental topics. During the warmer months, she coordinated volunteer efforts that allowed the group to help improve local ecosystems, like those at Lost River Cave, a local cave and natural area in Bowling Green. The members have volunteered extensively at Lost River Cave assisting with a holiday 5K Fun Run and Reindeer Encounter and most recently participated in the Invasive Plant Initiative Program. Her club members have volunteered twice to remove winter creeper, an invasive plant that takes hold of trees in the 72-acre natural area. Chad Singer, Lost River Cave’s tour staff manager said, “Volunteers like the 4-H environmental club are critically important to preserving and maintaining Lost River Cave. Volunteering at this park is very beneficial. It is a much-needed thing. The humans who care are sometimes a much more valuable resource than money, because it’s us that are going to do the work. We can spend all kinds of money and equipment and try to eradicate invasive species, but if you don’t get the kids out here to volunteer and foster that appreciation for nature, all that money is for nothing.”  Anna has been featured on the following social media outlets: UK NOW, Extension News, Farm and Home Show-WBKO, and Emerging Leaders -WNKY.

Anna Sweets is active in the Warren County 4-H Program.  She is on the State Teen Council and has plans to attend college this fall and is undecided in her major but plans to continue to be the environmental club leader. Because of these leadership experiences and her participation in other 4-H projects, she has secured over $23,000 in college scholarships.  Her mother stated "4-H has been an integral part in Anna's growth and confidence as a leader, public speaker, and community volunteer. We love 4-H!" Janet Turley, Warren County 4-H Youth Development Agent works with the 4-H Environmental Club and 4-H Club Leaders.