Ignite by 4‑H: BLM Eastern States Connects Youth to Public Lands

Sep 18, 2026

A large group of people stands together on a rooftop terrace with the Washington Monument and surrounding cityscape visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. — Teens and adult mentors gather for a group photo in Washington, D.C., during Ignite by 4‑H. Throughout the summit, youth learned about environmental stewardship and opportunities to serve their communities through partnerships like those between 4‑H and BLM Eastern States.

At Ignite by 4-H, a four-day national youth summit held March 25–29 in Washington, D.C., teens from across the country explored leadership and career pathways in conservation and outdoor recreation. Representatives from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern States met with 4-H members to discuss public lands, stewardship, and how outdoor experiences build skills that last a lifetime.

BLM Eastern States State Director Mitch Leverette outlined the agency’s mission and ways youth can engage with America’s public lands through education, service, and career exploration, underscoring how partnerships like 4-H and BLM help develop the next generation of conservation leaders. Outdoor Recreation Planner Mike Setlock, Division Chief Bobo Anthony, and Annie Ebbers, Division Chief, Wild Horse and Burro (Acting), also participated in the event, sharing opportunities for youth to learn more about conservation, outdoor recreation, and the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program initiatives.

Participants stand on stage at Ignite by 4‑H as BLM Eastern States leaders outline the agency’s mission and encourage youth to explore careers in natural resource management and outdoor recreation.

Leverette emphasized the importance of introducing young people to opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Through education, outdoor experiences, and community engagement, students develop a greater appreciation for the role public lands play in supporting recreation, wildlife habitat, and sustainable resource management.

“Outdoor recreation opens the door for young people to discover the freedom, curiosity, and confidence that come from exploring their public lands—one trail, one moment, and one unforgettable experience at a time,” said Mike Setlock, Outdoor Recreation Planner with BLM Eastern States.

A vintage group photograph of a large delegation of young people and adults arranged in several rows. A sign in front reads “S. Carolina Delegation 4‑H Congress 1981.” The group is posed in front of a gold curtain, wearing late‑1970s and early‑1980s style clothing. — A group of South Carolina delegates pose for a portrait at the 4‑H Congress in 1981. The delegation gathered for the national youth leadership event, representing a variety of programs and counties across the state. The photo shows participants arranged in three rows in front of a gold curtain, with the official delegation sign displayed at the front. Mitch Leverette, now the Eastern State Director for the Bureau of Land Management, was among the South Carolina delegates attending the 1981 4‑H Congress. Leverette’s participation in the national event reflected his early commitment to public service and youth leadership development.

The session’s message resonated with many 4-H members, particularly those from urban communities who may have limited access to outdoor recreation opportunities. By sharing examples of stewardship initiatives, career pathways in natural resource management, and initiatives through the Wild Horse and Burro Program, BLM Eastern States demonstrated how young people can make a positive impact on their communities and the environment.

The partnership between 4-H and BLM Eastern States reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Through educational outreach and engagement, both organizations encourage youth to build skills in leadership, civic responsibility, and environmental stewardship while discovering meaningful ways to connect with America’s public lands.

Story by:

Daionna Young, Management and Program Analyst

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