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Local 4-H member assists in rangeland wildfire disaster relief

Caroline Taylor

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County 4-H member, Caroline Taylor was among 46 youth members to help with relief efforts in Ashland, Kan.

Early in March, parts of Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas were devastated by high winds and uncontrollable wildfires.

With vast areas of grassland for grazing cattle destroyed, ranchers in that region struggled to feed and care for their livestock. Seeing a critical need, Michigan 4-Hers across the state stepped up to show their support and provide relief.

“I was drawn to the idea of helping their community. It was amazing to see everyone working together to make such a tragedy a little easier on the affected families,” Taylor said.

Michigan State University Extension Michigan 4-H clubs and communities in more than 10 counties provided an outpouring of disaster relief and support in April for the ranchers in need.

These efforts included setting up collections for items such as feed, fencing and milk replacer, hosting bake sales to generate funds for other needed items, packing lunches and loading supplies for truckers making supply runs, and organizing fundraisers to support service trips to Kansas and Oklahoma.    

During the weekend of April 7-10, Sanilac County 4-H transported 46 youth from Sanilac and surrounding counties to Ashland, Kan. Under the supervision of 14 adult volunteers, the 4-Hers worked to build fences, haul firewood, clear debris and assist in any way possible.

“This trip put a new perspective on helping others that I will never forget,” she said.

“A horrific disaster was turned into a learning experience for not only me, but everyone who had the chance to attend,” Taylor said. “After experiencing this trip, in the event of a future catastrophe, I would jump at the chance to help out those in need.” 

Taylor is a student at Kingsford High School and is the daughter of Phil and Carol Taylor of Iron Mountain.

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