Bagley student wins 4-H award from Minnesota DNR

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Bagley student wins 4-H award from Minnesota DNR
(Released September 6, 2011)

Bagley Junior High School student, Walker Cage received the annual 4-H award from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Sept. 2. DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr presented Cage with the award during a ceremony at the Minnesota State Fair.

The DNR Commissioner’s Youth Award is given annually to a 4-H club or youth who has demonstrated initiative, leadership, creativity and achievement in the conservation and wise use of natural and agricultural resources. This year is the 20th year of the award program.

Cage’s project, titled “Washed Away” focused on how to prevent shoreline erosion. Cage is 13-years-old and in 8th grade. For his project, he designed an experiment using five different models of shoreline structures, complete with sand, water, rocks and vegetation. He then constructed a wave-making device to simulate wave action on shorelines. Using scientific methods, he tested his hypothesis and kept careful data on his results.

“Shoreline erosion is a serious problem in our land of 10,000 lakes,” said Landwehr. “It is great to see a young person trying to discover innovative solutions.”

In addition to his 4-H project, Cage participates in the University of Minnesota River Watch program where he helps monitor and collect water samples in the Red River watershed in Clearwater County.

“I love to fish, hunt, and go walking in the woods,” said Cage. “When I am older, I hope to get a falconry permit.”

Walker is the son of Matt and Deb Cage. Also recognizing Cage at the award ceremony was the State 4-H Program Leader, Dorothy McCargo Freeman, and the 4-H Youth Development Educator, Nancy Hegland.