“This is a critical age to expose youth to environmental appreciation and developing an understanding of the natural world. We want youth to understand and appreciate nature to ingrain a conservation ethic in them. Then, they grow up to be adults that care about Florida’s natural resources.”

- Sarah Hensley, UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Curriculum and Evaluation State Specialized Agent

"If a child is to keep alive their inborn sense of wonder, they need the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with them the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in."

- Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

Acknowledgements

Program Development Guidance:

• Michael Gutter, Associate Dean for Extension, 4-H Youth Development
• Martin Main, Professor, Dept. of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
• Brian Myers, Professor and Chair, Dept of Agricultural Education and Communication

Field Guide Authors:

• Sarah Hensley, UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development Curriculum and Evaluation State Specialized Agent
• Shelly Johnson, UF/IFAS Natural Resources Extension State Specialized Agent
• Megan Ellis, UF/IFAS Extension Program Assistant (now employed with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Field Guide Reviewers:

• Cindy Bear, Programs and Services Coordinator, UF Randell Research Center
• Katherine Clements, Natural Resource Educator, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County
• Maia McGuire, Associate Program Leader, UF/IFAS natural resources and Florida Sea Grant Extension
• Tish Roland, 4-H Youth Development Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Collier County

Field Guide Illustrators:

• Megan Ellis
• Belle LaMontagne
• Shannon Alexander

Website Design and Development:

• Shannon Salvatori