Wilkes County 4-H GIS Technology Club

Although you may not be aware of it, GIS or what is known as geographic information system touches our lives daily. It is used throughout the world to solve problems related to the environment, health care, land use, business efficiency, education, and public safety. The power supply directed to homes, the patrol cars and fire trucks that keep neighborhoods safe, and the delivery trucks on the road all function more efficiently because of GIS. This technology can also help businesses place ATMs and restaurants at more convenient locations, allow people to pull maps off the Internet, and help farmers grow more crops with less chemicals. This innovative technology is used in countless ways to benefit not only our community but the world as well. GIS technology is a computer-based mapping tool that can take information from a database about a location and turn it into visual layers on a map that can give community leaders and members a better understanding of a particular community issue. The Wilkes County 4-H Program would like to bring this exciting technology to youth through hands-on projects that will provide them with valuable leadership skills while introducing them to a new way of seeing, thinking, and interacting with their community around them. The Wilkes County 4-H Program will be holding a meeting to organize a 4-H GIS Technology Club. The meeting is being held on Monday, October 20th, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Cooperative Extension Office. A light meal will be provided. All youth ages 11 and up and their parents who are interested in participating are encouraged to attend this meeting. Please register no later than October 16th by calling 336-651-7331.