Mission: The Environment

Mission 1: Completed

York County Youth Take Action to Protect Local Environment

York County middle school students rolled up their sleeves recently and took action to protect York County’s natural environment.  These students, participants in “York County Youth in Action,” worked to educate York County residents on the importance of protecting the quality of our water supply by marking storm drains in the Miller Pond area of Rock Hill.  The message of the storm drain markers, “Only Rain down the Storm Drain,” will serve as a constant reminder to all residents to make sure they prevent pollutants from running off of their property.

This service project was the culmination “York County Youth in Action,” a Youth Leadership program conducted by Clemson Extension/4-H.  During the program participants got outside and learned more about York County’s natural environment, went back in time to see how our ancestors lived off the land, and met with today’s York County leaders to learn about current environmental challenges. Additionally, participants developed the leadership, teamwork and communication skills that will allow them to become leaders in protecting our natural environment for years to come.  This year’s class had eight graduates including: Douglas Chapple, Shawna Hughes, Carrie Lee Lancaster, Krista Needham, Brooke Porter, Taylr Sharp, Katie Spargo, and Madison Wells.

This year’s York County Youth in Action program was sponsored by York County United Way.  The program provides youth with a venue to learn about their communities, gain leadership skills, and work with others to address some of today’s most pressing issues.   If you are interested in learning more about YCYA or would like to take part in future classes contact Ben Boyles at 803.981.3021 or boyles2@clemson.edu.  If you would like more information about York County 4-H please contact Margie Sippel at 803.684.9919 X113 or msippel@clemson.edu.