To most young gardeners, weeding doesn’t sound like much fun.

But show them how a single leaf can be used to propagate a plant, and they are eager to learn more.

Developing a basic knowledge of plants and an enthusiasm for gardening are two of the goals of a class project organized by Todd West, an associate professor at West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences.

The projectbeing held in April, National Garden Monthpairs West’s Horticulture 420 students with Mountaineer Boys and Girls Club members. Children will work in teams on a series of fun and educational activities from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in front of WVU ’s Agricultural Sciences Building .

WVU students will help kids discover how a single leaf or a part of a bulb can form a plant, learn the importance of seed depth when planting, find out how the venus fly trap catches its prey and explore other aspects of horticulture.

West said he tries to incorporate community activities in each of his classes. This is the first time the Boys and Girls Cluban after-school program for children ranging in age from 6-13has participated.

It is important to interact with kids to show them that there are fun activities to do with plants,he said.It also teaches them about the opportunity of a career path in the horticulture industry.

WVU students apply the principles they have learned in their labs to provide children with information they may not otherwise learn in a classroom. At the same time, they receive immediate feedback regarding kids’likes or dislikes about the activities.

It gives me a way to promote plants and make it fun for children while giving back to the community at the same time,added West, who hopes to make this an annual event.

Funding for the project is provided by a mini-grant through the WVU Center for Civic Engagement.

West’s previous class projects have included landscaping at the Shack Neighborhood House and Ronald McDonald House.