Wakulla 4-H Fosters Next Generation Of Naturalists
Rachel Pienta
University of Florida
From the cypress domes of Wakulla Springs to the coastal ecosystems that define the Big Bend, Wakulla County is home to some of Florida’s most remarkable natural treasures. For the past several years, the Wakulla 4 H Natural Resources and Environmental Education Program has been opening doors for local youth to not just explore these ecosystems—but to study them, care for them, and become lifelong stewards of the environment.
This year marks the first time the Florida Youth Naturalist Program (FYNP) curriculum has been offered in Wakulla County. Designed for ages 10–13, FYNP provides a youth-friendly introduction to environmental science modeled after the Florida Master Naturalist Program. Six youth successfully earned the Youth Naturalist certificate in the first year.
In the words of 4-H club leader Courtney Castro: “The future of the wild spaces in our amazing area will depend on how invested our youth are in using and protecting them.”
Youth in Wakulla 4 H don’t just learn about science from textbooks. They step into the field—literally.
Programs have included hiking, fishing, geocaching, marine science exploration, archery, ATV safety, and environmental service learning. Field trips such as a recent 4 H Nature Crew adventure to Wakulla Springs State Park turn Florida’s natural landscapes into immersive, hands-on learning laboratories.
During the recent excursion, youth learned directly from park rangers about freshwater ecology, tested pH levels, explored wildlife habitats, and experienced the unique structure of a cypress dome. Club member Annabelle Ainsworth described the moment: “It was so cool to see how the trees are taller in the middle and shorter on the edges, making it look like a giant bowl.”
These experiences help young people connect scientific concepts with real-world understanding - sparking curiosity and fostering environmental responsibility.
Between 2018 and 2026, 389 youth participated in one or more of Wakulla 4 H’s natural resources and environmental science programs. The hands-on, experiential curriculum blends STEM learning with conservation and practical skill-building, supported by trained volunteers and educators.
Highlights include:
• 12 youth designed anti-litter signage that was installed near trails, roads, and boat ramps.
• 4 H Marine Science Club members learned about coastal and marine ecosystems in partnership with Gulf Specimen Marine Lab.
• Food Forest Horticulture & Gardening Club members designed and built a functioning food forest, donating produce to local senior citizens.
• 4 H youth participated in the International Coastal Cleanup annually since 2021.
• 15 youth led a community workshop on reducing, reusing, recycling, and upcycling—reaching 30 adult & youth participants.
• Youth-created podcast episodes featuring local advocates discussing conservation and waste reduction.
• Participation in regional, state, and national horticulture competitions, including one youth who competed in Nebraska’s National Horticulture Contest.
These accomplishments led to Wakulla 4 H receiving the Outstanding Partnership of the Year Award from Keep Florida Beautiful for its collaborative work with Keep Wakulla County Beautiful.
Behind the scenes, Wakulla 4 H’s environmental education programming has been strengthened by professional development and volunteer engagement. Program faculty, volunteers, and
staff have completed various certifications including:
• Natural Resources Policy and Administration Graduate Certificate
• Project Learning Tree Training
• Florida Youth Naturalist Program Training
• Guy Harvey Foundation Conservation Educator Training
• National Science Foundation Teen Science Cafe Training
4-H program volunteers have had training opportunities to expand capacity, ensuring more youth can participate in meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Additional Resources
DeVille, N. V., Tomasso, L. P., Stoddard, O. P., Wilt, G. E., Horton, T. H., Wolf, K. L., Brymer, E., Kahn, P. H., Jr, & James, P. (2021). Time Spent in Nature Is Associated with Increased Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(14), 7498. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147498
Photos are by 4-H Volunteer Courtney Castro.
