Iowa State Extension is sponsoring the Second Annual Make A Difference Day on Saturday at the 4-H Natural Resource Center near Madrid.

All 4-H youth, their families and any interested community members from central Iowa are welcome to attend, said Amy Obermeier, coordinator of the event and senior in political science.

“The main purpose of Make A Difference Day is to do volunteer service for the community and to learn about the spirit and power of volunteering,” said Ann Pisarik, 4-H field specialist for central Iowa. “We want to teach 4-H youth the importance of community service while learning hands-on about nature.”

Participants will be performing general maintenance work on and around the 4-H Natural Resource Center. Activities planned include covering trails with wood chips, cutting vines from trails, painting cabins and various landscaping projects.

The activities will be performed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a free lunch will be served to all participants from noon to 1 p.m.

Obermeier said the day will be a rewarding experience.

“It’s a good chance for 4-H youth to see that they can make a difference and for adults to set a good example,” she said.

Even though Make A Difference Day falls on Veishea weekend, Obermeier said she is expecting some ISU students to participate. She said several members of Sigma Pi fraternity, 2112 Lincoln Way, are planning to attend, and Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, 2239 Knapp Ave., made a donation of snack items for the event.

More than 80 volunteers participated in last year’s Make A Difference Day, and Pisarik said she is hoping even more will attend this year.

“It’s tons of fun,” she said. “There are prizes, a wonderful lunch, and since it’s not a large area we’ll be working on, you can really see the difference you’re making to beautify the camp.”

Pisarik said supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring rakes and gardening gloves.

Advance registration is recommended, Obermeier said. Children under the age of 18 need a parent’s consent, and every participant must fill out a 4-H health form in case of emergency. All forms are available at the ISU Extension office, 218 Beardshear, or by contacting Obermeier at 268-9133.