WALTON - 4-H Resource Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Emily Roach is keeping the community and beyond engaged during the COVID - 19 pandemic.
In March, the Walton resident presided over a livestream that featured 26 chicken eggs hatching. The process generated a huge response - it was shared to the tune of 90,000 views.
Roach traditionally brings eggs to the second grade classes at Walton’s Townsend School. She said she wanted to continue to do so despite the pandemic.
“The chicks were so well-received I though I should do ducks as well,” she said. “The chicks take 21 days to hatch, while the ducks take about 28.”
As predicted, the Ancona duck eggs began to hatch on Sunday.
Roach said kids love the experience because they are fascinated with anything cute.
“My son showed his classmates the chicks on Zoom,” she said.
Friends of Roach provided the duck eggs and she will likely keep some, give some back to the family and to 4-H. She said the project has been great during the virus to keep individuals engaged.
According to Roach, Delaware County 4-Hers complete hands-on projects in the areas of health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in positive environments where they receive guidance from adult leaders and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Youth can experience 4-H in Delaware County as independent members or club members, and are eligible to participate in many programs that the CCE 4-H Office provides including a STEM mini-series, 4-H Teen Council, 4-H Camp Shankitunk, NYS STEM Camp, livestock, dairy, equine, International Night, 4-H public presentations and more. Currently, Delaware County 4-H has 510 enrolled members, 100 organizational and project leaders and 34 chartered clubs. Delaware County 4-H focuses a lot on community service.
“Many clubs and members have participated in the creation and construction of murals in Walton, making masks for the NYS 4-H Mask Task program, donations of gently used clothing to Delaware Opportunities, can drives and more,” she said. “4-Hers really care about our community and try to always make the best better.”
