Dragonflies help to control populations of mosquitoes and flies and are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands. Their larvae are aquatic, meaning, in water, and are laid in or near water, often in or on floating plants. Ohio has lost 90% of its native wetlands since the late 1700’s. Write a one page short essay about how you would help to save Ohio’s wetlands. Is there something specific that your community could do or a project your Junior Garden Club could help with? You as an individual can do your part to help, so tell OAGC what it would be.

Class A – 1 Ages 6 – 11

Class A – 2 Ages 12 – 18

Dragonflies can be seen in varying colors and will camouflage themselves to stalk other insects that invade their territory. A dragonfly can protect itself as a stationary object while speedily attacking its victims. They can appear to be almost transparent at times or look iridescent. Many species change color as they mature. The temperature can alter the color of the dragonfly; darkening it in cooler weather. Blue spots and stripes can fade to purple or gray and green may in fact look almost blue on a cool autumn day. Paint clay pots the colors you think a dragonfly would look like. Use your imagination and be creative. Items to make the dragonfly can be found in most craft or discount stores. The dragonfly pots will be staged in an upright position – do not put anything on the bottom as the picture shows. Please do not put any other embellishments on the dragonfly. (instructions)

Class B – 1 Ages 6 – 11

Class B – 2 Ages 12 – 18

Beautiful memories can be made from flowers you received as a gift or just by admiring specimens in your own yard. If you receive roses, the petals can be pressed and made into a pretty picture. If you have flowers such as lavender, Queen Anne’s Lace, and fern that all look pretty together, these can be made into a beautiful picture. Make a 5” x 7” pressed flower picture using blooms and foliage that have been pressed over the spring and early summer. The picture can be flat or three dimensional. The pressed picture must be in a 5” x 7” frame. Please do not decorate the outside of the frame – no embellishments.

Class C – 1 Ages 6 – 11

Class C – 2 Ages 12 – 18

2 3” clay pots

1 2” wooden ball knob

2 ½” beads (can be 6x9mm poly bead or drilled ½” wooden beads)

1 12” chenille stem (need 2 - 4” pcs)

2 6” jumbo craft sticks

acrylic paint

glue

Glue the two clay pots together. Glue a 2” wooden ball knob, with the flat area toward the top pot. Allow both to dry. Paint the pots with acrylic paint to resemble the colors of a dragonfly. Paint a face on the wooden ball knob. Using the 2 jumbo craft sticks, glue together as a crisscross for the wings. The wings can be painted with the acrylic paint or could be covered with another source. Drill a small hole in the top of the 2” wooden ball knob. Glue the 2 pieces of 4” chenille stem into the hole of the wooden ball knob for the antennaes. Attach a ½” drilled wooden bead or 6x9mm opaque poly-bead to the end of each chenille stem and secure.

The dragonfly pots will be staged in an upright position (sitting.) Please do not attach anything to the bottom pot as shown in the picture. No embellishments.