Practicing stewardship in Natural ResourcesPlan of Work

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Montgomery County CES

Title:
Practicing stewardship in Natural Resources
MAP:
Practicing stewardship in Natural Resources
Agents Involved:
Comer, Hamilton
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forestry Industry Education
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Ag Water Quality Program
Situation:

People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it’s important that we care for and respect these resources. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generate

Best-management practices by land-owners, farmers, residents, etc. are crucial toward good stewardship of our resources. Best management practices (BMPs), both structural or non-structural, can preserve our natural resources and prolong their benefits to all.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.


Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air.


Protect and improve water quality.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth will make decisions in their daily lives that positively impact natural resources.


Adopt conservation practices appropriate to farming operation.


Adopt appropriate manure handling practices


Maintain vegetative buffers along water bodies

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.


Understand importance of clean water.


Recognize best management practices for soil conservation.


All farmers using Restricted-Use Pesticides will be formally trained and follow guidelines.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.


Indicator: Number of youth who can identify the natural resources in

their community.

Method: Observation/evaluation of youth participating in environmental/residential camps; project records completed;

Timeline: FY'2017-2020


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.

Indicator: Number of youth who can identify the natural resources in their

community. Method: Survey of youth at end of program;

Timeline: FY'2017-2020


Long-term Outcome: Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.

Indicator: Number of youth who have gained an understanding of the ecosystems in nature.

Method: Survey of youth at end of program

Timeline: FY'2017-2020

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4th grade youth

Project or Activity: Overnight Environmental Camp

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Natural Resources, 4-H Entomology, 4-H Forestry, Water Awareness publications, etc.

Inputs: Extension Staff time, funding, support; Support staff support; partnering organizations & agencies; camp staff support;

Date: annually in October


Audience: Elementary/Middle school youth

Project or Activity: Our Natural Resources

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Exploring Your Environment

Inputs:Extension Staff time, funding, support; Geology kits

Date: September-May annually


Audience: Montgomery County farmers

Project or Activity: Restricted-Use Pesticide Training

Content or Curriculum: State pesticide curriculum

Inputs: State staff, County Agent

Date: January-February, annually



Success Stories

A Repeat Top Performance

Author: Charles Comer

Major Program: Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum

The 2018 4-H Land Judging Senior team from Montgomery County repeated the achievement of last year by winning top honors at the Kentucky State Fair 4-H event.  Their repeat performance of the previous year is due to focused practices, proper guidance and knowledgeable direction from their 4-H coach.   He is a former land judging contestant.  He values the experience gained from the participation in the contest and its life-long application because participants learn the value of a

Full Story

Environmental Camp Success

Author: Charles Comer

Major Program: Specialty Camps (overnight camps that take place outdoors)

The four elementary schools and the Montgomery County Extension 4-H program partnered to provide an outdoor educational experience through 4-H Environmental Camp. This overnight camping experience allows young people the opportunity to learn real-life skills, build confidence through trying new things, develop self-esteem, meet new friends, and gain a sense of independence.  For many of the participants, this is the  first time spending a night  away from home; a first time to see

Full Story

Regional Wildlife Management

Author: Gary Hamilton

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

To address the growing public interest in wildlife habitat and damage management, the Montgomery, Menifee and Bath County ANR Agents planned and conducted a Regional Wildlife Management program. 67 hunters, farmers and land owners attended this one night event and gained knowledge in the following topics: Developing Hunting Leases; Liabilities and Risks of Hunting for Farmers; Controlling Unwanted Wildlife and Food Plots for Wildlife (Deer, Turkey, Dove and Waterfowl). The program topics were de

Full Story
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