$10 registration; $40 for registration and duck box setup

$10 registration; $40 for registration and duck box setup Add to calendar

What is the 4-H Wood Duck Project?

The 2023 4-H Wood Duck Project is open to youth in Lancaster, Kershaw, Chester and York counties and is the perfect project for youth with an interest in natural resources. 

First piloted by Lancaster County 4-H in 2021, the 4-H Wood Duck Project is an individual study in which youth will learn to manage wood duck habitat and offer nesting opportunities for the birds. The project is a fun and hands-on learning experience that develops life skills, as well as teaches valuable information about our natural resources. Project participants are required to keep a record of their experience through project record tracking sheets. A Project Kickoff Field Day is scheduled for February 20, 2023 and more information will come out as the day nears.

There are two options for registration:

Option 1- Registration Only - $10 - This option is for those youth that do not have access to wood duck habitat but would love to be a part of the project. Or, youth may have access to existing duck boxes and habitat and wish to participate without installing new duck boxes. These youth will either assist the 4-H Agent in Lancaster County with managing a duck habitat and monitoring of existing nesting boxes, or assist with management of other approved wood duck habitats with existing boxes in either Lancaster, Kershaw, Chester or York Counties. Youth choosing option 1 will have the opportunity to attend several field days in addition to the kickoff and will be expected to attend most. Youth may also assist in erecting new wood duck boxes if the opportunity allows. In order to successfully complete the project and earn the water fowl project pin, youth will be required to be active in the project, complete a record sheet (provided), and a short 'no-stress' interview telling what they learned by participating.

Option 2 - Registration + Duck Box + Predator Guard + 4X4 Post - $40. This option is for youth that have access to suitable wood duck habitat and wish to erect a wood duck box on their own property or property they have permission to use. Your 4-H Agent will meet/discuss with you and verify the suitability of the site to ensure the location qualifies. Youth will receive a wood duck box, a predator shield and a 10 foot 4x4 post along with their registration (nesting material is not included). In order to successfully complete the project and earn the water fowl project pin, youth will be required to be active in the project, complete a record sheet for their box, and participate in a short 'no-stress' interview at the conclusion telling what they learned by participating.

Important Notes About our Field Day:  Our field day on February 20 will be held outdoors and will require short hikes through wooded areas and also swampy locations. Closed toe shoes are a must and, although not required, waterproof shoes are recommended as the ground is often wet in the duck habitat and nesting areas. Dressing for the weather is also important. With thel kickoff field day being the middle of February, there is a high likelihood that the temperatures could be cool. Dress accordingly. Rescheduling of field days will only occur if severe or rainy weather is predicted for the time frame. Youth under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Important Dates

  • Online registration ends February 15th at 11:30pm. 
  • Project runs February - July 2023.
  • February 20 at 1:00pm - Project kickoff field day (location to be determined, but most likely near Andrew Jackson State Park).
  • Late February/Early March is typical nesting time for wood ducks in our area.

Who can participate? 

4-H members in Lancaster, Kershaw, Chester and York counties, ages 5-18,(5-8 with parental supervision at all times during field days) may register for the project. 4-H membership costs $15 dollars. If not already a member for this project year, membership paperwork can be completed online. New members may enroll in 4-H here:  https://v2.4honline.com/

Event Details

See Who Is Interested

0 people are interested in this event

User Activity

No recent activity