Kenton County CES

Title:

Forested Systems

MAP:

Raising Environmental Awareness

Agents Involved:

Michele Stanton, Dan Allen

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Forestry Industry Education

Situation:

The natural ecosystem in Kentucky County is that of the Eastern Hardwood Forest. Landowners are becoming increasingly aware of the important role that non-degraded forest ecosystems play in our lives. As they notice more and more dead ash trees, try to remove honeysuckle, decrease soil erosion, and watch more and more development take place, they want to know how to take good care of their land. They look to Extension for further information on managing their woods, and their environment.

Homes and farms in Kenton County are part of the Eastern Deciduous Forest ecosystem. Homeowners are becoming aware of the value of native forests, and are looking for information on how to best take care of their land. They are also increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of development, which is very evident here.

Long-Term Outcomes:

•Preservation and proper management of the forested areas around homes and on our farms

•Maintenance of high-quality woodlands

•Improved forest quality around homes, woodlots, and farms

•Indicators: Retention of canopy area

•Evaluation: Aerial surveys, written participant surveys, Monarch tagging counts

•Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcomes:

•Implementation of BMPs for healthier canopies, reduced soil erosion, lessened areas of invasive plants

•Implementation of best management practices to ensure healthy native trees, shrubs, and other plants; fewer invasive species on private properties.

•Implementation of best management practices to ensure healthy trees canopies and clean natural forests.

•Indicators: Lower net loss of forested canopy

•Evaluation: Surveys

•Timeline: Ongoing

Initial Outcomes:

•Participants will gain knowledge through classes, on-site visits, and individual consultations.

•Participants will appreciate the value of our native forests and the benefits their presence gives our homes and communities.

•Participants gain knowledge in many aspects of woodland management through classes, demonstrations, etc.

•Participants become more aware of Extension’s role in addressing the needs of local residents

•Indicators: Pre- and post-activity surveys

•Evaluation: Participants demonstrate knowledge gained through pre- and post-class surveys

•Gain knowledge by way of classroom and on-site demonstration.

•Timeline: ongoing

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Healthy and vital forested areas

Indicator: Acreage preserved for forested areas.

Method: Surveys and site visits

Timeline: Ongoing

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge and value of best management practices

Indicator: Knowledge of BMPS, identification of invasive species, awareness of forest-based products for horticulture

Method: Participant surveys

Timeline: Fall 2017, 2018, 2019; Spring 2018, 2019

Intermediate Outcome: Implementation of best management practices to ensure healthy native trees, shrubs, and other plants; fewer invasive species.

Indicator: Implementation of best management practices to ensure healthy native trees, shrubs, and other plants; fewer invasive species.

Method: Resident surveys

Timeline: Ongoing

Long-term Outcome: Preservation and good management of forested lands, especially around homes, on small woodlots, and farms.

Indicator: Increased tree canopy, removal of key invasive species (Lonicera maackii and others)

Method: Resident surveys; updated canopy studies/GIS

Timeline: Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Landowners with interest in timber market

Project or Activity:Chain Saw Safety, Sawmill Demonstrating

Content or Curriculum: Master Logger Safety Program

Inputs: UK Forestry Extension Specialists

Date: Fall 2018 

Audience: Homeowners, farmers, landowners

Project or Activity: Forest-farmed horticultural products. Individual classes on production of Ginseng, shitake and/or oyster mushrooms, maple syrup, Goldenseal and other medicinal herbs, ramps, etc.

Content or Curriculum: UK Center for Crop Diversification KDA, UK Forestry Extension Specialists

Inputs: UK Crop Diversification Specialists, KDA Specialists, others

Date:Fall, Ongoing

Audience: Homeowners, landowners

Project or Activity: Getting rid of invasive honeysuckle and other invasive organisms

Content or Curriculum: Extension materials

Inputs: UK Forestry Extension Specialists

Date: Summer, 2018, 2019, 2020

Audience: Homeowners, landowners, general public

Project or Activity: EAB, What next? Replacing ash trees in our landscapes and woods

Content or Curriculum: UK Horticulture

Inputs: UK Forestry Extension Specialists

Date: Fall, Ongoing

Audience: Homeowners, landowners, general public

Project or Activity: Wildlife conservation

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: Extension specialists, UK Forestry, Fish and Wildlife conservation, Parks & Recreation Depts., Dept of Water and Soil Conservation.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Homeowners, general public

Project or activity: Appreciating your environment. Classes, nature walks, field trip, site-specific content

Content or Curriculum: Materials from Extension, UK Forestry, Entomology, County Agents, others.

Inputs: Agents and UK specialists

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Homeowners, farmers, landowners

Project or activity: Wildlife conservation. Promoting pollinator habitat, habitat for native birds, salamanders, other organisms.

Content or Curriculum: Materials from Extension, USDA, other UK departments.

Inputs: County agent, UK forestry specialists, Wildlife & Conservation Service staff, others.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Woodlot Owners

Project or activity: Demonstration of small scale sawmill

Content: Materials from Extension

Inputs: County Agent, UK Forestry Specialist

Date: Fall 2018, 2019

Success Stories