EAST LANSING, Mich. – As the summer nears its end and thoughts of school approach, make time to enjoy a family evening in the garden while exploring new activities.

Michigan 4-H Youth Development will host its first 4-H Evening in the Garden event, Tuesday, Aug. 16, as a recruitment opportunity, a chance for current 4-H’ers to showcase their projects and an occasion to present activities for hands-on participation.

Non-4-H members will have the chance to meet with current 4-H’ers and learn what kinds of activities and projects 4-H members participate in. Activities include 4-H science and robotics, Project FISH, gardening, small animals and veterinary science, entomology, geocaching, performing arts and more. Along with eating ice cream from the MSU Dairy Store, there is sure to be an activity to meet each child’s interest.

“The purpose of the event is to give non-4-H’ers an idea of what activities are available to them throughout the year in their community, while also providing current 4-H’ers the opportunity to showcase their project area,” said Dixie Sandborn, Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development specialist.

Several of the projects on display will be what 4-H’ers took to their local county fair. Some of the 4-H members have received awards in recognition of their work and dedication to their projects.

4-H Evening in the Garden runs 4 to 7 p.m. in the 4-H Children’s Garden on Michigan State University campus. For advanced registration, go to http://www.4hgarden.msu.edu, select “Calendar,” then “August” in the drop-down box. Next, click on “An Evening in the MSU 4-H Children’s Garden.” Admission is free; parking is located next to the Plant and Soil Sciences building, south of the intersection of Wilson Road and Bogue Street. 4-H is a Michigan State University Extension program.

For more event information, contact Jessica Wright at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Dixie Sandborn at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Contact Katie Alexander at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for media inquiries.