MONROE CO., N.Y. — In January, Monroe County 4-H Youth Development launched Save the Snowpeople, a challenge that encourages youth and families to be active throughout the winter via outdoor explorations and activities in Monroe County Parks.
Participating youth are special agents on a mission to save snowpeople—now an endangered species as climate change makes our winters warmer and shorter.
Geared to families with children ages 5-19, Save the Snowpeople invites families to complete five activities in five different Monroe County Parks before April 1. Those completing the challenge can enter to win prizes, including $100 Wegmans Gift Cards (courtesy of the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee) and $100 in Rochester Public Market Gift Token packages (courtesy of Friends of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County).
The mission challenges include building shelters, communicating with our feathered friends, finding and leaving a message in a hidden geocache, identifying trees, and yes— building a snowperson!
“Humans are not bears–we need to stay active throughout winter,” says Andrea Lista, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension-Monroe County. “Embarking on the Save the Snowpeople mission is a great way to keep young—and not so young!—bodies and brains moving and learning all winter long. It’s also a wonderful way to explore and experience our outstanding Monroe County Parks.”
In addition, Monroe County 4-H has scheduled a free Conifer Clamber in Black Creek Park for Saturday, March 19—by participating in this event, youth can complete one of the five challenges! More info and registration at www.tinyurl.com/coniferclamber.
What’s more, participating youth can aid their missions by borrowing Nature Backpacks from a Rochester-Monroe County Library branch.
To qualify for the prize drawings, missions must be complete by April 1.
For full information, including the registration link and the downloadable Save the Snowpeople mission guide, visit http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/events/2022/01/01/save-the-snowpeople-challenge.
The Monroe County 4-H Program is offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension to the youth of Monroe County. 4-H is a worldwide youth development program open to all youth ages 5 to 19, who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. In return, youth who participate in 4-H find a supportive environment and opportunities for hands-on or “experiential” learning about things that interest them. Learn more at http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County
