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Published on 08/06/12

Georgia 4-H environmental education receives Watson-Brown Grant

By Matt Hammons

Rock Eagle 4-H Center has received a $3,443 grant from the Milledgeville Chapter of the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board of Trustee for the addition of two new outbuildings at the Scott Site, Rock Eagle’s pioneer home site. The site is used for teaching living history classes and is visited by thousands of students each year.

The Georgia 4-H Environmental Education Program began at Rock Eagle in 1979 and was later expanded to include four other 4-H centers. The five centers currently serve more than 40,000 students annually, making it the largest residential program of its kind in the nation. The program has been designated a state and national learning model, drawing students and teachers from more than 500 schools representing six southeastern states.

Over the past decade, the center and the foundation board of trustees have partnered on multiple projects at the Scott Site. Past projects include the restoration of a pioneer house and the installation of a well and hand pump. The new project will include the construction of a privy and a fully functioning smokehouse, two structures that were essential to life on the farm during Georgia’s pioneer days.

“We appreciate the Watson- – Brown Foundation’s continued support in helping Rock Eagle 4-H Center provide a historic perspective of early American farm life. This funding allows students the chance to gain a better understanding of life in the rural South” said State 4-H leader Arch Smith.

The Watson-Brown Foundation supports historic preservation in part through its junior board of trustees, a talented group of local high school students whose exclusive mission is to preserve local history. Part historic preservation, part youth philanthropy, this educational initiative fosters civic responsibility, heightens an appreciation for local history, and introduces students to disciplined and thoughtful giving.

Matt Hammons is a program coordinator at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Ga.

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