"Developing positive experiences in nature at a young age can influence our attitudes and behaviors towards nature as adults. It is important to study these childhood experiences in order to develop environmental awareness and action in the next generation” (Boom, 2019, as cited in Wellborn, para 3). One noticeable aspect on the COVID pandemic is that families seem to be outside a whole lot more.  State parks and local parks have been flooded with people trying to get some sense of normalcy in their every day lives.  Since most things indoor are closed youth have been taking advantage of the outdoors.  The CES saw this as a perfect opportunity to create Madison County 4-H Nature Series.  The CES wisely picked the time when its starting to get cooler and darker earlier because outdoor playtime is getting cut short. However, through this new 4-H series, youth get to experience nature virtually.  

The CES chose nature lessons and crafts that will gain not only the interest of the child but the family.  The lessons dealt with wildlife, tracks, entomology, food chain, pollination, ecosystems, habitats, and being an environmental steward. Each lesson had a craft that the youth could do with their family.  The benefit was each craft helped the ideas that were being taught.  The youth build habitats and learned ways that they could help nature.  

100% of the youth involved are excited about going outdoors again.  All said they would put their crafts/habitats outdoors when it warms up and will do their part to help insects and wildlife around them.