Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Natural Resources
Eastern Kentucky recently saw unparalleled disaster due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Understandably, many in that area are struggling daily while attempting to maintain some semblance of normalcy. The Knott County 4-H Agent asked for volunteers to assist in providing programs to the youth of that county to give them a brain break and enjoy activities. Bell County’s Agriculture Agent and 4-H Agent volunteered to provide natural resource programming to the youth. The agriculture agent tau
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Natural Resources
Boone County Extension launches first Jr. Master Naturalist program in 4-day summer camp targeted towards ages 12-17. The age group was chosen due to a need of programming for teenagers within the community. Fifteen participants learned a variety of environmental topics in various locations throughout the county. The first two days took place at the Boone County Environmental and Nature Center where they studied birds, insects, wildflowers, mushrooms and trees. Activities
Author: Raymond Cox
Major Program: Natural Resources
Findings from the PRIDE campaign indicated students in Harlan County were unaware of the effects of pollution and erosion on the environment and ways of correcting the problem. Upon the recommendation of the 4-H and Extension Councils, the one day program with a couple of schools turned into a three day Environmental Camp targeting every 4th grader in Harlan County public and private schools. With the cooperation of the Kentucky Division of Water Quality, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Whitley C
Author: DJ Scully
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the United State Environmental Protection Agency, “environmental education is a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the environment. As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions.” The Campbell County Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Environmental Management provides field trips
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Clark County Extension Office continued their support of local growers and producers through their support of the Winchester/Clark County Farmers Market with a Kid's Day Event. Extension and other sponsors offered $10 vouchers to the first 100 kids that were redeemable from each vendor at the Farmers Market. More than 130 youth were in attendance that day and more than 85% of the vouchers were redeemed as well. This helped youth learn about and experience fresh, local foods that they may
Author: Stephen Conrad
Major Program: Natural Resources
The KY 4-H Shooting Sports program is a great way for our youth to safely learn how to handle firearms and archery equipment. Parents must see the value because our program in Boone County has really grown. In the 21/22 program year we had 140 youth attain the necessary 6 educational hours. We have 11 adult certified coaches and 5 teen certified coaches working with our 140 youth. For the year end state shoot, we had 17 competitors (our largest delegation to date) with
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: Natural Resources
Plants are essential to the balance of nature and in people's lives. Green plants, i.e., those possessing chlorophyll, manufacture their own food and give off oxygen during photosynthesis. Plants are the ultimate source of food and metabolic energy for nearly all animals, which cannot manufacture their own food. Besides foods (e.g., grains, fruits, and vegetables), plant products vital to humans include wood and wood products, fibers, drugs, oils, latex, pigments, and resins. Coal and petrol
Author: Lorilee Kunze
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Bullitt Advanced Math and Science (BAMS) Program seeks to help the gifted students of Bullitt County reach their full potential through inquiry experiences, a rigorous and relevant curriculum, and educational outreach. The Bullitt County Horticulture Program has collaborated with BAMS for many years helping them to gather data about the soil in Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. Previously, Extension mentors helped students to understand the soil sampling process, testing process and
Author: Logan Sasser
Major Program: Natural Resources
Pumpkin Days 2022 was a great success. This year I helped run the pumpkin patch, where students were read a story about pumpkins, and then helped by aiding students in picking their pumpkins and navigating the pumpkin patch. During this program, students learned about the agriculture aspect of pumpkins, the process of growing them, and the health benefits of pumpkins. At this program there were 694 students present, 247 adults, and 90 workers. I hope to help with this program for years to come a
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: Natural Resources
One of Green County's greatest assets is our natural resources which are used for sources of income for families, production of food, recreation, and aesthetic enjoyment. These resources are gifts from previous generations and instilling the appreciation and conservation of them for future generations is an important goal for developing youth into productive citizens. Green County 4-H provides educational programming connecting youth and their families to our natural habitats. Yo
Author: Rebecca Hayes
Major Program: Natural Resources
Carter County took 8 youth to the Win With competition. There were 3 juniors and 4 seniors. Every youth from the county that participated received at least a blue ribbon in one or more categories. We had the 2nd and 3rd overall in the junior division, and 1st and 2nd overall in the senior division. 3 of the youth, it was their first Win With Wood and general forestry competition. The others had participated in at least one prior to this event. Everyone did better than they personally expected, a
Author: Caleb Bell
Major Program: Natural Resources
For its 2022 season, the McCracken County 4-H Hot Shots saw a huge turnout in membership, executed a full shooting season and hosted two county benefit matches.This year the Hot Shots were back in full force following a halt to their activities in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a late start to their 2021 season. A total of 60 youth participated in the club, and 7 certified adult coaches led them in the Shotgun, Archery, Rifle and Pistol disciplines.Following a rocky two program years, the
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Natural Resources
Many requests for overnight 4-H environmental camp were made by 4-Hers and teachers in the months following Covid-19 restrictions. Starting the 2022-23 program year, the Harrison County 4-H Public Relations Officers accompanied 4-H Agent to the school board meeting for a presentation on 4-H Environmental Camp and request for approval to offer the overnight option once again to classes. Following the round of applause and granted approval, the Superintendent concluded our item with “have a
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Natural Resources
“For a new generation, nature is more abstraction than reality." (Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder"This Fall, Boone County Extension partnered with Boone County schools to provide an unforgettable, hands-on experience to 1,073 Boone County students, teachers, and chaperones. These individuals were able to learn about their environment through guided, exploratory programs such as night hikes, pond ecosystems, KY wildlife
Author: Rebecca Hayes
Major Program: Natural Resources
4-H Forestry Field DayUK Forestry and Natural ResourcesCarter Caves State Resort Park 4-H youth from Carter, Elliott, Fayette and Robertson counties attended the 4-H Forestry Field Day at Carter Caves State Resort Park, on October 20, 2022. The more than 25 youth had the opportunity to learn about Kentucky’s trees and forests as well as some of the skills that real-life foresters utilize everyday while on the job. The youth aged 9 to 13 (Juniors) and 14 to 18 (Seniors) years of age we
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: Natural Resources
Russell County 4-H began its shooting sports program in the mid-1980s and was one of the first programs in the state of Kentucky. Kentucky 4-H is a nationally recognized program that fosters life skill development and positive youth development through healthy competition, service, leadership, and education. Kentucky 4-H believes that all youth should have opportunities for positive youth development in the four overarching concepts of mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Todd County 4-H Shooting Sports club continues to make an impact on the lives of local youth. The club’s main focus is firearm safety with a secondary goal of teaching marksmanship to our county youth. The Todd County 4-H Shooting Sports is the largest 4-H club in the county with with 75 members starting up the season. In addition, the club hosts 10 active certified volunteer coaches who devote at least 4 hours each week to preparation and instruction for the 4-H members. The clu
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to a 2022 analysis by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Violence Prevention, gun injuries are the leading cause of death among U.S. children and teens ages 1-19. With that in mind, it is imperative that gun safety is a priority to teach our youth. With that goal in mind the Washington County 4-H Shootings Sports Coaches collectively committed over 250 volunteer hours to the county shooting sports program in 2022. Monthly safety meetings alongside weekly practices
Author: Terence Clemons
Major Program: Natural Resources
Since 2003, Bath County 4-H and The Bath County School District has collaborated to present 4th Grade Environmental Camp. The annual camp is held at North Central 4-H Camp, in Carlisle. The average attendance of 130 youth and 40 adult Chaperones have participated in this overnight camp. That number has continued to grow due to increased enrollment numbers and yearly request/support for this delivery method. 3 School Superintendents, 11 School Principals, and countless 4th Grade Teach
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Natural Resources
Morgan County 4-H Council has partnered with the Family Resource Center Directors, and four Elementary school staff for the past twelve years to provide an educational environmental overnight camping program for all 4th graders in Morgan County. This partnership was developed to provide hands on applicable learning experiences for all 4th graders. However, Covid has altered this experience for Morgan County youth. After several planning meetings the decision to move forward, the over
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Natural Resources
Each year in Livingston County, we participate in a multi-county competition sponsored by our regional recycling center. We take the time to teach about the power of recycling and the importance of mindfulness about our environment, the students have the opportunity to take what they learned and channel their creativity into a “Trash Sculpture”. 35 Livingston County Elementary, Middle, and High School Students competed. Those who won their school contest moved on to compete in our co
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: Natural Resources
This year we were able to take 6 youth to the Forestry Field Day held at Carter Caves State Park. The purpose of the field day was to teach the basics of tree identification, tree measurement, and the use of a compass and measuring distances by pacing. The youth were broken up into groups and rotated through the lessons that each covered one of the above topics. They used their math knowledge to figure up numbers, degrees, and heights all while learning about different components of forestry. At
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Natural Resources
Butler Co. 4-H Shooting SportsFirearms are extremely common in Butler co.Starting in 1986, our research (conducted by in school surveys) revealed that 96% of Butler co. youth either had a firearm in their home, or, were in the home of a friend or relative once per week or more frequently whom owned a firearm. Additionally, the county Sheriff was able to recall 6 fatal or crippling firearms accidents within the previous 20 years. As an introduction to the 4-H Shooting Sports program we start
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Natural Resources
Kenton County Cooperative Extension surveyed teachers in 3 Kenton County school districts at the end of the 2021-2022 school year requesting input for 4-H natural resource school program lessons. 4-H Council members in November 2021 also spoke at length for the need to engage school program youth in projects and other educational opportunities. As a result of the surveys and discussion with local council members, lessons for the 2022-2023 school year, included hands-on activities/exp
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Owen County 4-H Youth Development Agent met with the Outdoor Adventure Club, this club is designed for youth to learn skills related to basic survival, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and outdoor safety.This meeting 10 youth were eager to get started, this lesson was on fire starting with a ferrocenium rod, this rod is suitable for all weather conditions and an amazing survival tool for anyone to carry. The youth learned the proper technique for this tool, then got to master it on their own. In o
Author: Trever Cole
Major Program: Natural Resources
On April 4th I had 7 participants in my bird house class. For the class all 7 participants built box style birdhouses and finished them with paint or wood stain. From this participants learned how to sand, drill, and fasten boards to create there birdhouses as well designed their roof attachments to best suit where they planned to place there birdhouses (on a fence post, suspended, nailed to a post or tree, etc.) many participants also plan to enter their projects in the County Rally day with ho
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to Kentucky by the Numbers, Clay County has roughly 233 farms and approximately 305 producers. A large majority of the county is heavily wooded, approximately 61, 000 acres, which falls within the Redbird Purchase Unit of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The county also provides many scenic views with wildlife, plants, streams and mountains. When meeting with members of the Clay County Extension Council and program area councils, educating youth about agriculture and natura
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: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not h
Author: Julia McCloud
Major Program: Natural Resources
Country hams in Pendleton County has always been for 4-H age youth in the county. This year the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent and the 4-H Agent decided to team up and collaborate on how we can make this program benefit the youth and adults in the county. We offered the Country Ham project to cloverbuds, 4-H age youth, and Adults. Along with offering the program to all ages we also had a local pork producer that raises grass feed pork. We collaborated with the producer and provided us 8
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: Natural Resources
Bree Riley is a sophomore at Graves County High School and has been a member of 4-H Shooting Sports since eligible at age 9. Bree is a talented and dedicated young woman with a bright future ahead of her and we are so proud of her talents in the Graves County 4-H program. Her achievements in 4-H Shooting Sports are stellar. Bree has taken home the state championship in 4-H Shooting Sports State Competition many times, including the following championship titles in addition to many other state pl
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not h
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Natural Resources
Youth in every county are always looking for more activities to do outside so what better way then offering a program during spring break for “Outdoor Cooking”. This was a partnership between one of the Christian County 4-H Youth Development Agents and the Agricultural Natural Resource Agent. We wanted to create a program for youth in Christian County to learn the safety of cooking outdoors, how to start and put out a fire, lighting charcoal, outdoor handwashing skills, cooler packin
Author: MacKenzie Preece
Major Program: Natural Resources
Eight middle schoolers from Franklin County were chosen to represent their community at the 4-H Environmental Education Camp on Jekyll Island, Georgia. The trip took place over spring break, and the students were excited to travel to the beach to experience the 4-H Center with a Marine Biology twist.During their time at the camp, the students participated in various beach ecology courses, seining classes, and night hike/astronomy workshops. They learned about the ecosystem and the importance of
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Natural Resources
In an on-line piece developed by Pacific Oaks College (PCO), PCO created a list of the benefits of young people being outside. This list has all of the traditional outcomes expected from time spent away from traditional classrooms and in the grasp of the environment. Expected benefits include higher achieving academic performance, child development (which includes imaginative play and relationship development with playmates), health benefits, and brain development. The final expected outcome was
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Natural Resources
Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any chance youth audiences can be challenged to develop life skills or soft skills allows 4-H to invest in the next generation of citizens. With these two goals in mind,
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Natural Resources
Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not have or take advantage of education opportunities in their own communities, let alone get to experience a diverse o
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubicon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not h
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not
Author: Genaea Sarantakos
Major Program: Natural Resources
Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important, is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any chance youth audiences can be challenged to develop life skills, or soft skills, allows 4-H to invest in the next generation of citizens. With these two goals in mind, Ar
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Natural Resources
Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any chance youth audiences can be challenged to develop life skills or soft skills allows 4-H to invest in the next generation of citizens. With these two goals in mind, Areas
Author: Courtney Brock
Major Program: Natural Resources
Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any chance youth audiences can be challenged to develop life skills or soft skills allows 4-H to invest in the next generation of citizens. With these two goals in mind, Areas
Author: Taylor Miles
Major Program: Natural Resources
Creating opportunities for young people to interact with the natural world in innovative and educational ways sets Kentucky 4-H apart as an organization dedicated to fostering positive youth development. It is crucial to introduce young minds to unfamiliar environments and species to expand their horizons. Additionally, any opportunity for developing life skills or soft skills among young audiences allows 4-H to contribute to shaping the next generation of responsible citizens.With these objecti
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Natural Resources
Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any chance youth audiences can be challenged to develop life skills or soft skills allows 4-H to invest in the next generation of citizens. With these two goals in mind, Areas
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the Community Assessment conducted in 2019, Edmonson County community members identified these are areas of need in their community related to community vitality:More pride in the community and its assets 24.43% More youth community leadership opportunities 19.77%One response to these community concerns, the Edmonson County Cooperative Extension Office, led by KSU agent Bridgett Poteet partnered with multiple community organizations to organize the first annual 4-H Soil Conserv
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Natural Resources
A child’s behavior can suffer from an absence of the outdoors. This became an increasing issue during the coronavirus pandemic and the months following as quarantining, isolation, and virtual learning led individuals to stay indoors more often. Nature-Deficit Disorder, coined by Richard Louv in 2005, “is a nonmedical condition that attributes behavioral changes in children to less time spent outdoors”. (https://parentology.com/what-is-nature-deficit-disorder/)To provide additio
Author: Ashley Osborne
Major Program: Natural Resources
Today’s youth spend less time outdoors than previous generations (Clemonts, 2004; Karsten, 2005; Carver et al., 2008) and are likely able to identify a Pokémon character more easily than a native plant or animal (Balmford et al., 2002). Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducts a survey to assess Kentuckian’s environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. According to KEEC’s 2015-2020 Environmental Education Master Pla
Author: Lucas Powell
Major Program: Natural Resources
Kentucky’s natural resources play an important role in our state’s social, economic, and environmental well-being. With our “learn by doing” mindset we brought Fayette County Youth outside of the classroom to learn more about our natural environment. During our Environmental Education Camp Program, we brought youth from multiple schools, both public and private, to one of our 4-H Camp facilities where they got the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning though a w
Author: Amanda Clark
Major Program: Natural Resources
The problemKentucky’s natural resources play an important role in our state’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.The educational program responseDeveloping experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any ch
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is Environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not have or
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Natural Resources
The problemAccording to Child Mind Institute and Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-deficit Disorder, kids are spending significantly more time indoors than outdoors. On average the American child spends 4-7 minutes a day outside in unstructured outdoor play but 7+ hours in front of a screen. Many studies have proven a wide-range of benefits from children spending times outdoors, ranging from academic improvement to better physical and me
Author: Susan Campbell
Major Program: Natural Resources
Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any chance youth audiences can be challenged to develop life skills or soft skills allows 4-H to invest in the next generation of citizens. With these two goals in mind, Areas
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Natural Resources
The 99th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 13-16, 2023. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develop youth-adult partnerships, and become acquainted with
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: Natural Resources
Henderson County 4-H restarted their shooting sports program in the spring of 2015 with one coach and just a handful of youth. Kentucky 4-H is a nationally recognized program that fosters life skill development and positive youth development through healthy competition, service, leadership, and education. Kentucky 4-H believes that all youth should have opportunities for positive youth development in the four overarching concepts of mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity. &
Author: Logan Sasser
Major Program: Natural Resources
The problem-Students are very responsive to hands on activities and demonstrations, something that many times isn't possible in the classroom.The educational program response-Our Extension Office hosted our inaugural Pollinator Day to show students the importance and usefulness of bees and beekeeping. Students had the opportunity to plant flowers, try on bee suits, learn about beekeeping, and learn how to use honey in a healthy recipe. The participants/target audience-Perry Central Agri
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Natural Resources
Outdoor Adventure Camp- Pilot ProgramOutdoor Activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, and much more are just a few of the more popular hobbies that many individuals enjoy as the temperatures begin to warm up throughout the spring and summer.The Owen County 4-H Youth Development Agent collaborated with 4-H Youth Development Agents from Garrard, Madison, Scott and Casey Counties, and the Camp Director for Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp to plan, recruit and implement the first Kentucky 4-H Outd
Author: Emilee Bryant
Major Program: Natural Resources
Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any chance youth audiences can be challenged to develop life skills or soft skills allows 4-H to invest in the next generation of citizens. With these two goals in mind, Areas
Author: Ashley Marcum
Major Program: Natural Resources
With over 1,900 youth enrolled, and more than 900 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: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Natural Resources
Over the years it has been a challenge to get youth outdoors and invested into the natural world; the barrier has been the overuse of technology and the lack of interest due to the disconnect. The task was to create and find a way to create a positive and educational experience for youth. Outdoor Activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, and much more are just a few of the more popular hobbies that many individuals enjoy as the temperatures begin to warm up throughout t
Author: Alyssa Cox
Major Program: Natural Resources
Kentucky is 48% forested and is known as having one of the most diverse hardwood species mix in the nation. Kentucky’s woodlands are vital, providing homes to a wide diversity of wildlife, protecting our water resources, and supplying clean air. In addition, the forestry sector contributed an estimated $14.6 billion in total economic contribution in 2015 and provided over 28,400 jobs in the forest industry and more than 57,000 jobs overall.The Rockcastle County 4-H Homeschool Club particip
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not
Author: Jocelyn Kemp
Major Program: Natural Resources
Youth in Hardin County have many advantages to being exposed to natural resources locally. Most youth are not educated in the natural resources education or get to experience the outdoors or build social skills outside of school or home. Hardin County 4-H hosted a two day Environmental Day Camp where youth were able to come together and meet multiple experts of various aspects and learn more about the natural resources that surround them locally. On the first day youth met at Saunders Sprin
Author: Blake Newton
Major Program: Natural Resources
In 2022, I worked Dr. Larson (UK Entomology Professor) and Carl Harper (Uk Entomology staff, Office of the State Entomologist) to develop the 4-H KY Keepers programs. KY Keepers are a group of 4-Hers from around the state who work to monitor invasive pests. KY Keepers focus their efforts on the Spongy Moth. The Spongy Moth is an invasive insect that is already established in the northeastern United States, where it has defoliated an estimated 95 million acres over the last century and caused abo
Author: Blake Newton
Major Program: Natural Resources
The Kentucky Forest Leadership Program (KFLP) is a collaborative effort of UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, UK Entomology Extension, the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. The educational program managed and administered by UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Laurie Thomas.KFLP is designed to educate high school students about the importance of Kentucky’s environment and natural resources. The statewide
Author: Kimberly Thomas
Major Program: Natural Resources
Taylor County youth are “buzzing” with new 4-H club. Beekeeping has sparked an interest with youth and adults alike. Youth are excited and fascinated learning about bees and how they make honey. Through a Kentucky 4-H Foundation Agriculture Mini Grant in 2022, Taylor County 4-H was able to Purchase two beehives to be placed at the Taylor County Extension Office for educational demonstrations with our 4-H’ers and local bee association, the Green River Beekeepers. Wit
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Natural Resources
The migrant youth day camp was designed to provide a safe and inclusive space for young individuals from diverse backgrounds. Cultivating a sense of belonging, the camp fostered an atmosphere of respect, empathy, and cultural understanding. This created an environment where participants felt valued and comfortable expressing themselves while learning about the importance of natural resources. Participants embarked on outdoor adventures through their visit to a local park. &nbs
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not
Author: Edwin Ritchey
Major Program: Natural Resources
We revised the 4-H Land Judging publication in 2021 to better align with the current NRCS and Cooperative Extension recommendations. Practice standards have changed over the years and we need to keep current with the recommended conservation practice standards. These new practices also better align with National Land Judging contest so the state winners that go to the National Contest are more familiar with the National Contest rules. We also added a Home Site Evaluation to the State contest for
Author: MacKenzie Preece
Major Program: Natural Resources
This past year the Franklin County 4-H collaborated with the Capital City Beekeepers Association to start a 4-H Youth Beekeeping and Bee Ambassadors Program. The 4-H Bee Ambassador Program addresses key concepts related to bees, pollination, beekeeping, and honey. Horticulture and 4-H agents, and Beekeeping Association volunteer leaders incorporated lessons and activities related to bees and honey, pollinators and native ecosystems in a series of monthly meetings with hands on demonstration in o
