Plant Sciences projects help youth understand how plants, soils, and natural resources work together while developing practical skills they can use in agriculture, gardening, and natural resource management. Participants learn about plant growth and identification, soil health, crop production, and the many ways plants are grown, used, and managed. They also explore the connections between plants, wildlife, rangelands, forests, water, and other natural resources.

Through hands-on activities, participants develop skills in growing, caring for, harvesting, and processing plants and crops. They learn to recognize desirable, undesirable, and poisonous plants, apply scientific principles to plant growth, and make informed decisions about managing natural resources. These experiences can also help youth discover interests in agriculture, environmental science, and related careers.

 

Project list

A young girl crouching down in between a row of crops, looking at a plant that's growing on a vine

Crop Science

Gain hands-on experience with crop production while learning about plant varieties, soil, pests, diseases, seeding, nutrients, costs, and markets.

An adult volunteer helping 4-H youth work with plants. All are wearing green shirts.

Gardening

Grow your own garden while discovering how plants, soil, seeds, pests, harvesting, and food preservation work together.

A group of brown horses standing in a grassy field with mountains in the background.

Range Science Management

Discover the plants and ecosystems that make up Montana’s rangelands while developing skills in plant identification and rangeland management.

A few kids sitting around a hole in the ground. One student is holding a small plant

Weed Science

Identify and manage invasive plants while gaining an understanding of weed control, plant ecology, and their effects on Montana’s environment and natural resources.