Wetlands are important! They store water, clean it and help prevent flooding. Minnesota originally had 18.6 million acres of wetlands that provided habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife. Half of them are now gone due to human activity.
Learn how to protect wetlands and water quality, and how we depend on our state's wetlands.
What can you do?
In the water resources project, you can:
- Understand the ecosystems of lakes, rivers and wetlands.
- Learn about surface water and groundwater.
- Understand water quality and pollution.
- Explore how human activities such as agriculture, urban development and home septic systems affect water quality.
- Learn to be a good water steward.
These are just some of the many ways you can participate in this project.
Project information
Get started with 4-H'ers in your area
- Contact your local 4-H office for more info.
Get started on your own
- Begin your project learning with the water resources project resource guide.
- Reflect on your project and what you've learned using 4-H record keeping.
Project opportunities near you
Get in touch with your local 4-H office to learn about water resources project events and activities in your area.
Interested in getting involved as a water resources project volunteer?
Contact your local 4-H office or learn more about volunteering in 4-H.
Resources for supporting youth in water resources
- Environment and earth science curricula in the youth development curriculum library
- National 4-H natural resources and environmental education curricula
Fair information
What does it mean to show at the fair?
For 4-H'ers, local and state showcase events (like the Minnesota State Fair) are not just fun events. They provide youth opportunities to exhibit the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout the year– and to continue their learning.
Contact your local 4-H office for water resources project showcase opportunities near you.
Exhibit ideas and judging criteria
Get exhibit ideas and find out what the judge is looking for in the evaluation sheet.
Reviewed in 2023