Document Type

Capstone Project

Publication Date

Summer 8-7-2026

Keywords

Positive Youth Development, 4-H Youth Development, Environmental Education, Master Naturalist, Junior Master Naturalist, Environmental Justice, Illinois Extension, Cook County, Environmental Stewardship, Stevenson Center

Abstract

This capstone researches the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Junior Master Naturalist (JMN) 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) Club, a pilot environmental education program for high-school students in South Suburban Cook County, Illinois. Through a partnership among University of Illinois Extension – Serving Cook County, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and the Friends of the Forest Preserves, JMN addressed two goals: increasing 4-H participation and engagement among high-school aged youth and encouraging high-school aged participation in local forest preserves spaces. Grounded in research on positive youth development, 4-H youth development, and environmental education, the program provided hands-on, place-based learning experiences connected to local ecological and social contexts as well as broader themes of environmental justice and stewardship. The program took place over seven weeks during Spring 2026 at Sand Ridge Nature Center and Sandridge Community Center. Evaluation results suggest that students had a positive and meaningful experience, reporting increases in knowledge, awareness of naturalist work, and research and presentation skills. The pilot also identified areas for improvement including recruitment and transportation access. Overall, this capstone argues that JMN in Cook County serves as a promising model for engaging high-school aged youth in 4-H, environmental education, and community-based stewardship.

Faculty Project Director

Dr. Michael S. Hendricks

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