Upcoming Spring 4-H LEAF Jr. Classes

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (March 13, 2025) – Do you know of a youth itching to get going with spring planting? Then Chautauqua County 4-H has the program for you!

4-H is offering a series of three spring Leaf Junior classes for youth in grades 3-12. Youth do not have to be a 4-H member to attend, and youth do not have to attend all three classes.

The first class will be held on March 24, 2025, and will be taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. Youth attendees will learn about a method to be able to grow plants outside in the winter called “cold-sowing” and a different way to grow plants indoors in the winter to produce microgreens. Youth will leave the class with 2 containers of soil and seeds ready to grow at home.

The second class will be held on April 1, 2025, and will discuss native pollinators like bees, moths, and butterflies and simple ways to help them thrive. Youth will then build a bug hotel to house the native pollinators that they can take home.

The last class will be held May 1, 2025, and will cover native wildflowers. Royal Fern Nursery on Glasgow Road in Fredonia has donated local, native wildflower seeds for youth attendees to embed in clay and shape into seed creatures. These seed creatures can be soaked in water and tossed into a favorite area to “plant” native flowers.

Each class costs between $10 and $15 and will be held at the Carnahan Center on the JCC Campus. Pre-registration for the classes is required at https://bit.ly/25LeafJRSpring or by calling the Extension Office at 716-664-9502 to ensure that we have enough materials for all class members.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated March 13, 2025