2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest

From the movement of Hurricane Irene up the east coast of the United States to images of the receding ice in polar regions, scientists and decision-makers rely upon satellites and other observing instruments to understand the extent and impact of environmental changes. These tools are offered to the public with ever increasing accessibility, turning people into citizen scientists.

The 2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, held by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, provides high school students (grades 9-12) with the opportunity to conduct innovative research on our changing planet and win cash prizes for their efforts. Students must demonstrate the best uses of the latest geospatial tools and data to study the Earth.

Entries can be submitted by individuals or teams. Cash awards will be given to the top three projects -- $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. In the case of team entries, the cash award will be split equally among the winning team members. Winners also will be featured in an Encyclopedia of Earth article.

In addition to the student prizes, teachers of the first-, second- and third-place students or teams will receive a $200 amazon.com gift card. If participation is part of an after-school club or other activity independent of school, the student or team can identify an adult "coach" who would be eligible for this award (e.g., a parent, club leader, etc.).

Entries must be received by April 16, 2012. IGES plans to announce the winning entries by May 23, 2012.    

Eligible geospatial tools and data include satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). The main focus of the project must be on the application of the geospatial tool(s) or data to study a problem related to Earth's environment.

Geospatial tools and data have numerous uses in science research, ranging from climate prediction to archaeology. They can be used to improve our understanding of Earth systems, including interactions within and among the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere. They also can be used to improve the quality of our lives by supporting weather prediction, natural hazards monitoring, agriculture, land-use planning, coastal management, transportation, public health, emergency response and other fields.

The Thacher Environmental Research Contest (formerly the Thacher Scholars Award) was founded in honor of former IGES board member Peter Thacher, who was a leader in promoting the use of satellite remote sensing. Thacher was former deputy executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, NASA advisor and, at the time of his death, president of the Earth Council Foundation/U.S.

For more information on the 2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, including a list of resources for geospatial data, please visit www.strategies.org/ThacherContest.

4-H Dog Project Certification Form

Youth who are interested in participating in the dog project and think they might enter the State 4-H Dog Show, a certification form must be completed for your dog. The form may be found on the following link:


4-H Dog Project Certification Form

The form is due in the extension office by January 10th.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - Photography Contest

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo conducts a photography contest in conjunction with the horticulture contests. The photos for this contest must be related to horticulture and the theme so check out the rules and guidelines. Click here to learn more: HLSR Photo Contest Rules and Guidelines

Message from Texas 4-H State Council

Howdy Texas 4-Hers!

Your Texas 4-H State Council would first like to say how excited and honored we are to be serving you this year.  One of the biggest projects we are working on is Texas 4-H Roundup 2012!  We have so many fun and exciting surprises in store for 4-H this year.  Our goal as your 4-H State Council is to serve you, create new experiences, and make the best better.  Because 4-H is growing and creating new experiences this year, especially in the area of State Roundup we as a council created a motto we would like to share with you.  “A new team, a new experience…it’s history in the making!” As 4-Hers across Texas you create and inspire those new experiences, helping to make history every day.  As fellow 4-Hers we look forward to making history with you.

Texas 4-H Roundup will be June 11- 15, 2012 at Texas Tech University.  This is a new and adventurous opportunity in which both Senior and Intermediate 4-Hers are invited to participate.  Whether it is through a qualifying event for Seniors, Invitational workshops for all ages or just the other fun events Roundup is going to be great this year!  We have a couple of exciting updates for you....  First, Aaron Watson will be performing at Roundup this year on Thursday night so mark it on your calendars.  Also, the annual trade show will be coming to Roundup with all of its former goodies and then some. 

Look for more updates on the 4-H State Council and Roundup 2012 right here or online via our facebook page 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/2012-Texas-4-H-Roundup/315843191775648 and the Teas 4-H Roundup website:  http://texas4-h.tamu/youth/roundup/index.php .

“To Make the Best Better.”

Your 2012 Texas 4-H Council

Recordbook Workshop in Bastrop County

In case you missed the workshop in Travis County on December 12th, you have an opportunity to attend one in Bastrop on January 17th:

String Prairie Catholic Church Hall

6:30 p.m.  

String Prairie Catholic Church Hall is located at St Mary’s Road (or County Road 289), off Highway 304, about 2 miles south of Rosanky.  The address is 100 St. Mary’s Road, Rosanky, Texas. Signs will be posted at the turn offs. 

Please RSVP to the Bastrop County Office by January 13th if you plan to attend.
Click the link for the map: Map to Workshop

Buidling Your 4-H Resume Workshop

Are you looking for ways to "build" your 4-H resume or learning how to become more involved?
Are you unsure of how you should dress for a particular event?

On December 28, Cory will help answer those questions and provide information for becoming more involved in 4-H. The workshop will start at 10:00 a.m.and will try to conclude around 12:00 noon. This will take place at the Extension Office.

Please RSVP to John Riegler at JJRiegler@ag.tamu.edu by December 23rd for those who plan to attend.
Check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com

Food Drive at Rabbit Validation

Just as with the previous validations, a food drive for the Manor ISD Food Pantry will be held in conjunction with Rabbit Validation on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Lanier High School. For those who may not be at the validation, but would like to contribute to this worthy cause, food items may be dropped off the extension office.
Check out the flyer -Food Drive at Rabbit Validation

2012 Teen Retreat

Who? Senior age 4-H members, 13-19 and Adult sponsors
Why? Develop leadership skills through workshops and hands-on learning experiences
How? Register on 4-H Center website between Nov 1 and Dec 30
Cost? Registration includes 2 nights lodging, 4 meals, snacks and all program supplies.
Youth $105, Adults $70
$90 Chaperone fee if County does not provide Chaperone

Link to Teen Retreat Information!

Gift the Gift of Camp Registrations!

This year Texas 4-H Conference Center is offering a special registration for anyone who would like to offer the gift of camp to their favorite camper!

Camps give kids courage, confidence and character that toys, games and clothes just can't. By giving the Gift of Camp you are investing in your child's learning and growth. Simply CLICK HERE to register for next season and your confirmation email will include a custom gift certificate to give for the holidays.

Give the Gift of Camp and give an experience a child in your life is not soon to forget!

Warm regards,

Darlene Locke
Texas 4-H Conference Center

Academic Eligibility Forms - TCYS and Fort Worth

For the youth participating in the Travis County Youth Show or the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. the academic eligibility forms are posted on the 4-H Website.
Travis4h.com

The two forms are due January 9th to the extension office. A form is required for each 4-H participant per each event.

If you have any questions regarding this, please ask John or Cory.

Bowie-Austin FFA Lamb and Goat Show

Check out the flyer at :
http://travis-tx.tamu.edu/files/2010/06/Bowie-FFA-PROSPECT-SHOW-FLYER.pdf

Recordbook Workshop - December 12th

Recordbooks have changed for the 2011-2012 4-H year! A workshop is being conducted on Monday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Office. If you want to get a jump start and find out about the new recordkeeping system and preview what they will look like, please attend! You are welcome to bring a laptop.

If you have completed books in the past, you will definitely want to attend so that you will be up to speed with the changes.

Brown Santa - Group Sign up now allowed

BROWN SANTA is a community service program of the Travis County Sheriff's Office, and the many sponsors and volunteers who make it happen each year and an event that the Travis County 4-H Council volunteers with annually. 40 spots have been reserved for youth and adults to volunteer to their time to wrap gifts on Sunday, December 11th. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To participate in this event, you must sign up with Cynthia and Kaleigh Pierce by emailing them at bpierce2@austin.rr.com. Please sign up by December 2n.

San Antonio Livestock Show School Tour Guides

It is that time of the year again to sign up to serve as  a School Tour Guide at the San Antonio Livestock Show. To serve in this role, youth must be in grades 9-12th. Friday, February 17th has been chosen as the date for Travis County 4-H Members to serve in this capacity. That date could possibly change, but hopefully not. If you are interested in this leadership opportunity, please email Cory  at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu  Once you email me, you are committing yourself to carry out this task (all day task).

Email Cory by December 15th to confirm your participation.

Texas 4-H Standard Newsletter

Below is a link to the Texas 4-H Standard Newsletter. There is a lot of great information about upcoming events and activities in the newsletter. You may also find this newsletter located in 4-H Connect. Login and check it out or click on the link.

Texas 4-H Standard Newsletter

Major Livestock Show Paperwork

If you plan to participate in the following major livestock shows:

• San Antonio Livestock Exposition
• San Angelo Livestock Show
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
• Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo

all forms may be found on the Travis County 4-H Website under the tab " 4-H Animal and Livestock Information" Forms are due to the Travis County Extension Office on November 14th. Cory will be at the office until 7:00 p.m. that evening to accept paperwork. Each participant will need to complete the summary form along with the entry forms for the individual shows.

TCYS Floral Design Contest

TCYS is holding a floral design contest. For those interested, please check out the rules and guidelines for the new event which are posted on www.traviscountyyouthshow.org. Forms may be found under the tab "2012 TCYS Information"


Entry Fee is $25.00
Entry Form - Due December 1st to the TCYS Office

Food Drive at Swine Validation

Great community service opportunity; validating swine is not a requirement to participate in this event. If you will be at validation, please bring items with you. For those not at validation, you may bring items to the extension office prior to November 21st.
Food Drive at Swine Validation

October County Council Meeting

Howdy 4-H'ers!
The Travis County 4-H Council is inviting all interested 4-H'ers to attend our upcoming meeting.  Anyone who was elected to serve as a council delegate for your club is encouraged to attend. We will host a special guest speaker from the Travis County Attorney's Office.He will be speaking about the Travis County Underage Drinking and Prevention Education Program. For more information on this program, visit the following site: Travis County UADP&EP

Where: 4-H Office - 1600 B Smith Rd, Austin, 78721

When: Monday, October 24th , 7:00 p.m.

Hope to see all of you there!

    ~ Meredith Masi - Travis County 4-H Council Membership/Programs Chair

PAYP - Fundraiser

Below are links to the forms for more information on the PAYB (Pflugerville Ag and Youth Boosters) Group and their annual fundraiser.

PAYB - Cover Letter

Ticket /Sponsor Form