Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Vicki Boggs
Major Program: Natural Resources
DRAINS TO STREAMS Community Service Project:One important goal for Leslie County Extension is to participate in community service. Water quality and pollution is a great concern for our county. We feel that raising awareness can result in change and improve our community. Drains to Streams is an environmental awareness service project that we were inspired to complete through participation at Kentucky 4-H State Teen Conference. Water quality information available through
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment facilitated by the Kenton County Cooperative Extension staff in 2018 identified multiple issues related to youth and the environment around them. Referencing discussions held with local 4-H volunteer leaders and members of the SCS Board, and local school system personnel, pollinator lessons were shared during synchronous learning in August and September 2020. The pollinator kits created and shared with local schools fall 2020 were based on
Author: Paul Adkins
Major Program: Natural Resources
During a worldwide pandemic, families are spending more time behind screens and are looking for new ways to get outdoors. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2020), getting outside is a great way to spend time together as a family and there are multiple benefits, including, being physically healthier, more engaged in learning, more positive in behavior, and mentally healthier.The Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service, including the 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture and Na
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Montgomery County 4-H Shooting Sports program is one of the larger 4-H programs in the county. It is a program that attracts young people who enjoy the outdoors while at the same time learning marksmanship, as well as, the safe, responsible use of firearms and the principles of hunting and archery. Young people develop life skills, self-confidence, and conservation ethics due to the program’s activities (club meetings, practices, competitions, etc.) and the support of
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: Natural Resources
Situation 4-Her’s experienced a pandemic for the first time in their lives. Quickly youth were asked to change the way they lived. Whether it was how they do school work, go to the grocery, social interaction, extracurricular activities and so much more. For our local 4-Her’s what did that mean for them? Would there be 4-H Teen Summit, Teen Conference, Fair, 4-H Camp, club meetings and so much more. 4-H wanted a way to keep contact with 4-Her’s, keep them busy with hands o
Author: Jan Gibson
Major Program: Natural Resources
The economy of EKY is seeking to diversify from its historically coal-producing industry. It is Kentucky’s privately-owned forests that provide the majority of the timber processed into many useful products used not only locally but world-wide. Perry County is in the heart of the basically deciduous forest that accounts for the 684 million board feet of hardwood logs that were harvested in 2019, … total employment of 54,266, total contribution of $13.3 billion. &nb
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Natural Resources
Kentucky 4-H believes that all youth should have opportunities for positive youth development in our four guiding concepts: mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity. The Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports program prides itself on providing a safe environment for youth to learn and grow in. The Nelson County 4-H Shooting Sports program was uniquely affected by Covid 19 restrictions. In the spring of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic abruptly ended their ability to meet as a club. Th
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Natural Resources
Madison County 4-H Shooting Sports has traditionally been a seasonal club. The CES Agent noticed that the participants do not participate in other 4-H programs so in order for this group to feel a sense of belonging it was decided to make it an all year club. Once the decision was made the CES Agent recruited a Shooting Sports Coordinator (something that the Madison County 4-H Program has not had in 13 years) and told her of the plan. The CES Agent worked with the Coordinator in forming a
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Natural Resources
"Developing positive experiences in nature at a young age can influence our attitudes and behaviors towards nature as adults. It is important to study these childhood experiences in order to develop environmental awareness and action in the next generation” (Boom, 2019, as cited in Wellborn, para 3). One noticeable aspect on the COVID pandemic is that families seem to be outside a whole lot more. State parks and local parks have been flooded with people trying to get some sense
Author: Mary Jane Little
Major Program: Natural Resources
Pumpkin Palooza was offered during the month of October at the Extension office. 4-H, Horticulture, and EFNEP partnered to provide this program to all youth and families in the community. Each Friday we released a follow-along video and a pickup bag full of pumpkin related activities, recipes, information, and crafts. We offered pumpkins to participants to carve and return for a carving contest. We gave out 100 pumpkins and carving kits, along with over 200 bags. The bags also included trick or
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Natural Resources
Due to the current pandemic, more individuals are participating in outdoor recreation. Fishing is one of the more popular activities with increased license sales in most states and tackle sales setting record numbers. Kentucky is no different, as tackle stores are having difficulty keeping shelves adequately stocked. This comes to reason, as Kentucky has a plethora of opportunities for outdoorsmen. Youth in Bell County also have countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, fishing being near t
Author: Dianna Reed
Major Program: Natural Resources
In March of 2020, the Johnson Cooperative Extension Service along with government officials, local leaders, school personnel and community members were challenged to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and offer ways to be of service to our communities and clientele. UK administration worked with state officials to develop guidelines, inform personnel of UK, gubernatorial and CDC directives and encouraged counties to provide outreach and information to our clientele in a safe manner. To address thi
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: Natural Resources
MC Hammer said a long time ago, “you can't touch this.” Was he thinking of how programs are delivered today? With the pandemic, 4-H strives to provide activities for youth to still “touch” and gain the proven benefits of experiential learning. For spring through mid-summer, 4-H moved project-based activities online with supplies readily available at home. An online calendar was created to coordinate the 4-H virtual activities locally and across
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: Natural Resources
Green County has an abundance of natural resources. The Green River garners her name from the county and is home to six endangered or threatened species. One particular resource our youth are most proud is we are home to Wyatt Jeffries Woods which is believed to be the last old-growth forest located in this part of the state. Our natural resource club decided to focus on the coming year and reorganize as the Green County 4-H Forestry Club to celebrate our community's herita
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: Natural Resources
Upon top of Carroll County 4-H projects,(Crochet by zoom, art by zoom, robotics by zoom, homeschool by zoom and some community service events)) many of Carroll County members are taking advantage of the state specialists" offerings. What a great opportunity for our members. Thank you so much. I am going to spotlight one of those members. Brenna has attended all Winter Naturalist in Training Meetings with Ashley Osborne, learning everything from how
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the Division of Waste Management FY 18 annual report, Kentuckians recycled 2,744,477 tons of common household recyclables (aluminum, cardboard, steel, plastic, newspaper, glass, and paper) for a recycling rate of 38.2 percent in 2017. But what about that other 61.8% of recyclables that is just thrown away with other household trash? It ends up in landfills or washed into the ocean. Crittenden County’s 5th grade Civic Engagement Club t
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Natural Resources
The week of October 26-30, 2020 was Fayette County Extension's Pumpkin Week! This was the first year that we put together a Pumpkin Week. Pumpkin Week was spearheaded by myself and the other 4-H staff, but it was a whole office collaboration to pull it off and get everything together. 4-H provided all of the supplies and I coordinated the activities and materials to be provided. The Horticulture Agent and Technician provided videos about pumpkins and one about floral arranging using pumpkins
Author: Kevin Lindsay
Major Program: Natural Resources
During an online discussion for a graduate class, a former Fayette County 4-H member detailed how being involved in 4-H as a youth, helped her decide on her college career. Her words were: "4-H was a catalyst for my love of the environment and people. In undergrad, I was part of a group that helped educate elementary students at William Wells Brown elementary afterschool on the environment and sustainability. It was a blast and really fed into my passion for environmental education that foc
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: Natural Resources
Pollinators are an essential part of the environment. There has been a decline in pollinators due to lack of habitat, use of pesticides, and diseases. To help promote pollinators the Henry County 4-H Natural Resource Club designed, cleared land, and installed two large pollinator gardens this past year at the extension office.Each month club members would focus on a different aspect of pollinators and their habitats. The group decided to use all Kentucky native species in the gardens
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: Natural Resources
There has been an increasing interest in programs that get youth in the outdoors. For about four years now I have been learning more about and implementing more outdoor cooking programs in my county and at state level events. They have been well attended and seem to be making an impression with other county agents, as I am asked to teach Agents haw to lead these types of lessons more. I was approached by the camping program director about leading two outdoor cooking in-services at two of the fou
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: Natural Resources
During a trying time, due to COVID-19 we have not been able to conduct normal programing in the school system. At the same time, we have unfortunately not met with the 4-H Homeschool Club due to the volunteer resining. Understanding the importance of reaching as many different audiences with our programs we looked at other ways to be valuable to our homeschool community. We were approached by a local homeschool coop group that was looking to fill a void in their program by adding hands on scienc
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Natural Resources
Our traditional understanding of native Kentucky wildflowers is based on the cause and effect relationship of the absence of specific plants for pollinators (FOR-98: Attracting Butterflies with Native Plants; Tom Barnes), but the benefits should not be limited to a single purpose. Native plants attract a number of types of wildlife with fruit and flowers, bio-indicators of the health of an ecosystem, provide a unique aesthetic to a native Kentucky ecological community, and, if used and planted p
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Natural Resources
4-H Shooting Sports is one of the amazing opportunities that is provided to 4-Hers to teach skills development in marksmanship and gun safety in multiple discipline areas. KY State 4-H leaders and National 4-H worked to develop guidelines that could meet CDC requirements, health department approvals, and still allow outdoor setting practices to continue for local shooting sports programs. When the state shooting sports committee determined that the state contest would happen in 2020,
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: Natural Resources
In an effort to provide a unique opportunity for our 4-H members to stay engaged and connected to 4-H while under the strict COVID guidelines of no in-person programs, a virtual program was developed called 4-H in a Box. The objectives of the 4-H in a Box program was to keep our members engaged and learning while at home through 4-H. The 4-H in a Box program included thoughtfully planned out activities and lessons that correlated with three of our Kentucky 4-H core curriculum areas i
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Russell County 4-H program collaborated with the Russell County School System to continue science programming during the COVID pandemic. A series of videos were created to share with the students by their science teachers during virtual learning. These videos explored several aspects of entomology. The first video explored the main characteristics that insects share such as body segments, leg numbers and wing attachment; additionally the youth learned which arthropods were
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: Natural Resources
In Jackson and Wolfe Counties, we have a huge solid waste disposal issue as evidenced by multiple dump sites and litter along roadways and stream banks throughout the counties. An opportunity became available to educate about proper solid waste disposal and remove existing waste. Jackson and Wolfe County obtained funding through a UK CARES Grant in the amount of $10,000 to improve their communities. A portion of the grant was to teach the youth in the community the process of bringing change to
Author: Kim Angel
Major Program: Natural Resources
In Jackson and Wolfe Counties, we have a huge solid waste disposal issue as evidenced by multiple dump sites and litter along roadways and stream banks throughout the counties. An opportunity became available to educate about proper solid waste disposal and remove existing waste. Jackson and Wolfe County obtained funding through a UK CARES Grant in the amount of $10,000 to improve their communities. A portion of the grant was to teach the youth in the community the process of bringing change to
Author: David Hull
Major Program: Natural Resources
Creekside Connections is a weekly homeschool cooperative that offers K-12 educational opportunities for homeschooling families in Gallatin and surrounding counties. Since 2018, the Gallatin County Extension Service has played an active role in this cooperative.Back in 2018, the Gallatin ANR agent was approached by cooperative organizers because they wanted to offer an exploration class pertaining to nature. As a result, the ANR agent taught one weekly class of 5th and 6th grade Nature Studies fo
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Natural Resources
In 2021, Covid-19 brought with it many challenges to families including changes in employment, how their children received education and often changes in their finances. Families found it challenging to make long term plans due to the continually changing safety guidance, school schedules and rescheduling of past postponed events. Cooperative Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, Danielle Hagler noticed that in the fall fewer families were interested in making long term commitme
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: Natural Resources
After attending the Kentucky Volunteer Forum in February 2020, one of my 4-H leaders attended the bee workshops. She was so excited about the possibility of starting a bee club. We do not have apace for bee hives at our Extension office. A group has started that calls themselves Friends of Camp KYSOC. This camp used to be the camp for Easter Seals back in the day. Now it is being rebuilt to be an environmental facility. I called the manager and ask
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Natural Resources
Each summer for the past four years, Gallatin County 4-H has offered a fishing derby at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Last year because of the pandemic, we offered a virtual fishing derby which children and parents enjoyed. This is a joint adventure with the fairboard, the county, several local businesses and tourism. "Kids enjoy feeling included and there isn't a better way to instill responsibility in children than by teaching them how to fish", according to Califo
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Natural Resources
By supporting and engaging young leaders, adults, organizations and communities experience direct benefits, through stronger connections to other young people in the community (Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001). Additionally, young people help to re-energize adults and counteract negative stereotypes of youth when they are successfully engaged in leadership within their communities (Zeldin, & Camino, 1999; Fiscus, 2003). On June 19, 2021 the 2nd annual Shooting with Our Stars c
Author: David Embrey
Major Program: Natural Resources
For the second year in a row, the Edmonson County Extension Service teamed up with the Edmonson County Soil Conservation District to facilitate the annual tree seedling give away that the Soil Conservation Office has done for many years. As with last year, The Edmonson County Agriculture & Natural Resource Agent (ANR) and Family & Consumer Sciences Agent (FCS) partnered with Soil Conservation to help distribute tree seedlings to members of the community. This year, participants pic
Author: Ed Wilcox
Major Program: Natural Resources
Fayette County, Kentucky middle school children benefited from the Junior Hydrology summer camp program hosted by the LEAP Academy and presented by Ed Wilcox, Kentucky State University’s Watershed Research and Extension Associate. The Junior Hydrology program not only improved the knowledge of the middle school participants and adult volunteers but increased the likelihood they will adopt conservation behaviors that reduce the impact of their activity on water quality. De
Author: Paul Adkins
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Covid-19 Pandemic presented a challenge for Extension programs all over the nation and the Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service answered the call by providing fun and educational weekly grab and go bags to families. Many projects were geared towards family life skill development for youth and adults where others were focused on life-skill development, promoting hands-on, and combating learning loss for youth. In preliminary studies, The Center for Research on Education Outcomes at St
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: Natural Resources
During the pandemic I have had the opportunity to reflect on and create an outline for an Natural Recourses program that will bring youth closer to the outdoors. The overall goals of this program are as follows; Increase the number of hours per week that youth spend outsideTeach youth some basic survival skills (fire building, shelter building, cooking) Increase environmental awareness - to help protect the environmentVisit a State or National Park and allow youth the opportunity to tr
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Natural Resources
On June 16 2021, Hopkins County 4-H hosted a natural resource day camp at Mahr Park Arboretum. The goal of the camp was to offer a fun and exciting way for youth to understand the impacts they have on the environment and how they can help improve it. Through the help of different community resources, we were able to have the day camp successfully.As mentioned previously the camp was held at Mahr Park Arboretum. Mahr Park is a 265-acre park, featuring a natural environment looming with wildl
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Natural Resources
Fishing is an outdoor sport that continues an uphill swing in participation. According to the 2020 Special Report by takemefishing.org, “In 2019, 17% of the U.S. population ages 6 and up went fishing at least one time. This was a 1%-increase since the year before, and it represents a decade-long upward trend in fishing participation.” (pg 4) There were over 50 million people that participated in fishing at least once during 2019. Youth aged 6-12 amounted to 14% of total angers, while
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: Natural Resources
Oldham County 4-H Shooting Sports fosters life skills and positive youth development through healthy competition, service, leadership and education. In 2020, the Oldham County Program was suspended due to COVID which meant 2021 was a year of rebuilding the program.At the start of the season, the club had lost seven coaches due to COVID fear and sickness so this was the year of rebuilding the club. The club sent five individuals to become Certified Coaches. Coaches and Coordinators dev
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: Natural Resources
Many youth in Henderson County want to learn more about the environment and want to immerse themselves in nature. With Henderson County having a state park, the Ohio and Green River, and many local parks the Henderson County 4-H program decided to utilize the Henderson County Parks Department and utilize one of their large acre parks with fishing ponds to put on a two-day natural resource day camp. During the day camp, students rotated among educational stations that focused on different en
Author: Lorilee Kunze
Major Program: Natural Resources
In the early spring of 2021, Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service was invited to collaborate in a project with Nichols Elementary to create a school garden and educational program for the garden. As a community, Nichols is used to finding their own resources and support, but they contacted the Extension Service due to previous long term relationships and programs offered by Extension. The Bullitt County Extension Service, the local Public Library branch, Nichols Elementary school s
Author: Anna Meador
Major Program: Natural Resources
The pandemic of 2020 brought our entire nation to a screeching halt. Except for first responders, the United States and much of the world were on lock-down for much of the spring and summer. As summer turned into fall and the end of COVID-19 not in sight, a group of agents banded together to see how they could continue to meet the needs of their 4-H clientele. These efforts were led and organized by Allen County 4-H Agent, Anna Meador and Warren County 4-H Agent, Janet Turley. And t
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Natural Resources
For many people in the state, fishing is a favorite hobby that they tend to do alone or in a group/ family setting is coined by some as a “pass time” a skill that can be used to provide food for yourself and your family. The Owen County 4-H Youth Development Agent partnered with Maurice Bowling Middle School to help plan and implement some Natural Resources programs to help educate youth on Ecosystems, Water Quality/ Erosion and Fishing.This Three-Day enrichment series at Maurice Bow
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Natural Resources
Kenton County Cooperative Extension surveyed teachers in 3 Kenton County school districts at the end of the 2019-2020 school year requesting input for 4-H natural resource school program lessons. As a result of the surveys and discussion with local teachers even in an abbreviated in person school program year, multiple hands-on science lessons were provided to local Kenton County youth. New lessons were written, and procedures created. Lessons written in prior years were adapte
Author: Blake Newton
Major Program: Natural Resources
During 2020, when face-to-face contacts were dramatically reduced because of COVID-19, the Extension Entomology team at UK used social media to make contacts with Kentuckians. In particular, we focused on our YouTube and Facebook accounts to deliver content related to seasonal entomology topics. Content consisted mostly of short posts with single images or 3-5 minute videos. During 2020, these posts received a total of over 27,000 views. One video, though, on Cicada Killer Wasps, continued to re
Author: Ashley Marcum
Major Program: Natural Resources
With over 1,900 youth enrolled, and more than 850 certified volunteer leaders, shooting sports is one of the largest 4-H programs in the state of Kentucky. Taking the slogan “learn by doing” to heart, the KY 4-H Shooting Sports program is built around hands on learning experiences. Under the guidance of certified instructors, youth have the chance to practice firearm safety and marksmanship in a variety of disciplines including archery, rifle, black powder, shotgun, pistol, and hunti
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Natural Resources
Due to the pandemic, Boone County public and private schools were unable to attend their annual Environmental Overnight Camp at 4-H North Central. Students that were unable to attend would lose out on the memorable experience and vital environmental education that inspires behavioral change and understanding of the value of nature. Towards the end of the school year, Boone County Public School was able to reopen to full-time, in-person instruction for families who wanted to return (i
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Natural Resources
While a 4-H Youth Development Agent in Fayette County I worked closely with one of the 4-H Program Assistants to apply for an Agriculture Mini Grant through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation with the goal of starting a 4-H Bee Keeping Club. The idea for the club would be to introduce 4-H age youth to the art of bee keeping and allow them new experiences in learning about pollination, bees, hives, honey, and so much more. The intention was to receive the grant to aid in the purchase of the bees, hives,
Author: David Embrey
Major Program: Natural Resources
Many people think of recycling as a hassle that is not worth their time or a government program that is of no interest to them. Benefits to the environment such as reduced landfill space and less mining for new materials as well as being paid for recycling aluminum and scrape steel are often overlooked. Shortly after being hired as Edmonson County Extension Agent for ANR/4-H Youth Development Education, this agent began an aluminum can recycling project with the County 4-H program. We colle
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Natural Resources
4-H runs on volunteers, and the motivation of the volunteers. Butler co. has been blessed with super volunteers. After a few years of struggle after the death a beloved leader. Our program has recovered and is growing rapidly. We currently have 7 certified coaches. But not just warm bodies, "Leaders", Great people who work tirelessly for our youth. It has paid dividends. Our youth won 32 separate trophies at last fall's state 4-H Shoo
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Natural Resources
Hopkins County 4-H was able to host a successful Natural Resource Day Camp on June 16, 2021 at Mahr Park Arboretum. The goal for this program day was for youth to better understand how they impact their environment and how they can be the change to improve it. Through the help of multiple community resources, the youth was able to gain valuable knowledge.The event was held at Mahr Park Arboretum that contains a 265 acre park housing wildlife, native trees, plants, walking trails, and
Author: Kevin Lindsay
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Fayette County 4-H program currently has 8 members participating in the Natural Resources and Environmental Science Academy. From these 8 participants, 2 members have recently been selected to be Natural Resource Ambassadors. We also have 4 youth participating in Master Naturalist Program group. Natural resources programming continues to play a major role in 4-H programming in Fayette County. We also have several youth participating in our Nature Club. Members of our Natural Resource and Env
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Natural Resources
With limitation opportunities for 4-H school clubs and educational lessons in the classroom, Casey County 4-H continued with the disbursement of 4-H Educational Kits. Earth Month Weekly Activities: 30 Easter Egg Planter Kits – included an Easter egg and seeds for planting.100 Pollinator Kits – included an activity book with a compilation of activities and facts about bees and other pollinators along with 4 different flavor honey sticks with a tasting activity. Distributed a
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Natural Resources
Environmental Education programs bring school children to camp to learn about the natural world out in nature.Due to COVID-19 and the limitations with group gatherings and fields trips, we were not able to conduct and in-person camp. To still provide an environmental educational experience, Casey County 4-H applied and received a $1,500 grant from TC Energy to provide 150 at-home educational kits for all 4th grade students in Casey County.The environmental education kits included a drawstring ba
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Natural Resources
Due to the Covid-19 related restrictions, Extension agents had to be creative in designing programs for the spring of 2021. The pandemic has brought many new challenges to families in Fulton County. However, one of the more positive outcomes has been a revival of home gardening and importance of family togetherness. The Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Science, 4-H and Youth Development all partnered together to d
