Teen Leaders Make a Difference in Their Communities

As America’s largest youth organization, the 4-H Youth Development Program reaches more than six million young people across the nation. Studies have shown that 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their communities and two times more likely to be civically engaged, participate in out-of-school science programs and make healthier choices.

As 4-H’ers reach their teenage years they can participate in leadership activities that help them transition to becoming peer mentors and community builders.

Belknap County 4-H teenagers Emma Davidson, Oliver Leandro and Emmaline Leandro are leading a team of 11 adolescents in a project on pollinators. They partnered with UNH Advanced Master Gardner and owner of Petals in the Pines Donna Miller, along with staff of the Laconia Public Library, to create a pollinator garden at the library. This effort is part of several pollinator gardens throughout Belknap County that are enhancing the natural area, improving native biodiversity and increasing pollination services. Once the gardens are complete, the 4-H’ers will create a pollinator garden map and invite community members to visit the gardens.

Oliver Leandro plans to pursue a career in agriculture. Alongside his fellow teen leaders, he’s using his knowledge to teach younger Belknap County kids through experiential activities like cooking using local honey and learning woodworking skills to build bee hotels.

4-H teen leader Oliver Leandro

“Pollinators are an essential part of our agricultural industry. One out of every three bites of food are the result of their work. Pollinators contribute to healthy soil, clean water, healthy ecosystems and our global food production,” he says.

Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor, the pollinator project is fully funded. The 4-H pollinator ambassadors also collaborated with UNH Extension field specialist Jada Lindblom and Chris Collias, owner of Beans and Greens Farm in Gilford, to create a nature trail for a storybook walk focusing on pollinators at Beans and Greens.

“Having young adults be active in our community is so important to teach and inspire the next generation,” Emmaline Leandro says.

4-H teen leaders Emmaline Leandro and Emma Davidson