Backyard Biology

Author: Colby Dye

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

According to a Housing Needs Assessment from the City of Bowling Green, Warren County is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. Increased development in rural areas has created a need for more urban agriculture education.  Environmental and wildlife education helps citizens understand nature, promote positive wildlife-human interaction, and engage in conservational problem-solving for the betterment of our society.The summer intern in Warren County created, filmed, and promote

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Deer Management and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Author: Chuck Flowers

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

Describe the Issue or Situation.In our region, approximately 85% of farmland is dedicated to crop production. In 2022, hunters utilized 225,343 acres for hunting, resulting in the harvest of 1,194 deer in the Purchase area. To enhance deer management and address Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman Counties organized a wildlife management meeting.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The meeting aimed to equip landowners and f

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Deer Managment and CWD Meeting 2024

Author: Benjamin Rudy

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

Describe the Issue or Situation.In our region, approximately 85% of farmland is dedicated to crop production. In 2022, hunters utilized 225,343 acres for hunting, resulting in the harvest of 1,194 deer in the Purchase area. To enhance deer management and address Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman Counties organized a wildlife management meeting.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The meeting aimed to equip landowners and f

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Bate Middle School Wildlife in the Classroom Days

Author: Joseph Ray

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

During the summer of 2024, the Boyle County Cooperative Extension Office, including the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent, embarked on an impactful partnership with local Family Resource and Youth Service Center Coordinators from both the Boyle County Public School System and the Danville Independent School System. This collaboration arose from a shared commitment to addressing educational needs and enriching the learning experiences of students in the community.The partnership facil

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Wildlife Management

Author: Nick Roy

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

The Adair County Agriculture Advisory Council identified wildlife crop damage as a priority issue for extension programming to address in 2024.  Through multiple collaborations, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Office led a comprehensive efforts to provide education on wildlife depredation options while also encouraging greater participation during legal hunting seasons.  The first effort was the inclusion of the local KDFWR wildlife biologist during the Adair County Grain Crops

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2024 Managing Deer Damage in Crops and CWD Update

Author: John Tucker

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

Crop production accounts for 85% of the land use in the river counties of far Western Kentucky. Additionally, more than 11,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas are located in Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton Counties (Public Land Search, KDFWR website). Recognizing the need to balance wildlife conservation with minimizing crop damage, Extension Agents in Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman Counties organized a wildlife management meeting to address deer management challenges and a Chronic Wasting Disea

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KY Master Naturalist Travels Overseas!

Author: Lacey Kessell

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

In 2023, the Boone County Extension launched its first in-person Kentucky Master Naturalist Cohort in collaboration with the state-wide Kentucky Master Naturalist Initiative, in response to growing community demand for the program. Stakeholders recognized that the program addressed the need for greater awareness of environmental issues, green space preservation, and implementation.The program included 17 participants, of whom 15 graduated in 2024, contributing over 600 hours of volunteer service

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