Montville — An Uncasville woman is bringing 4-H to town.

Jenn Rudke, who has owned a hobby farm in Uncasville for two years, is recruiting young agriculture and animal enthusiasts to join a new chapter of the New London County 4-H, where they can learn to raise animals to compete in local fairs, learn about farming and serve their communities.

The national group recently has pushed to expand its scope beyond its century-old agricultural roots, and Rudke said she is open to supporting projects in any category.

She has planned a trip to UConn for a workshop and said she may include a lesson on the use of drones for tasks like checking damage to fields.

“It’s all interrelated,” she said.

Rudke said several local parents already have expressed interest in the club.

She held an open house at her Uncasville farm Thursday evening and has advertised for new members with Montville Public Schools.

She said she decided to form the club after visiting the North Stonington Agricultural Fair and meeting two young contestants who were showing goats they had raised for the first time.

“They were so proud of what they’d done,” she said. “It was just the whole atmosphere of giving these kids some learning, some responsibility, some fun.”

Rudke grew up in Vermont and has never been involved with 4-H before — she said starting the club will fill her time now that two of her children are adults and another has started college at UConn.

“I’m empty nesting,” she said.

Rudke now owns several goats and miniature horses, and said she hopes to incorporate them into the group.

"I've learned how to milk, I've learned how to make cheese," she said.

The Montville club will join several area clubs that fall under the umbrella of the New London County 4-H organization, including ones in Ledyard, Norwich, East Lyme, Groton and North Stonington.

4-H members can choose their own projects — whether it’s raising a goat or competing in public speaking contests — and Rudke said she and parent volunteers will help out with supporting the kids.

Membership and competing in 4-H agricultural fairs is free, Rudke said, although there may be some costs associated with trips and projects.

She said she hopes she can teach members about the importance of community service and connecting to the agricultural practices that fill their fridges.

"I feel it's important that kids ... know where their food comes from," she said.

The club's first meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22, and anyone interested in joining can email Rudke at jenneve58@icloud.com.

m.shanahan@theday.com