Pulaski County CES

Title:

Animal Science & Natural Resource Education

MAP:

Natural Resources Conservation

Agents Involved:

Adkins, Wilson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Sustainable Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Chemical Crop Management Tools

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

4-H Health Core Curriculum

Situation:

Pulaski County is considered a rural county but many of its residents and children are not from a rural environment. Pulaski County has approximately 1700 farmers but our population is 63,000 (2010) and is projected to grow to 71,000 by 2020. Many will move here to retire while others will come for job opportunities. Pulaski County has many natural resources: Lake Cumberland, many acres of forested land, vast wildlife and managed livestock, and good soils.

Today's youth and adults must learn to responsibly enjoy and conserve the natural resources that Pulaski County is fortunate to have. As the county grows, many of our natural resources may be destroyed or threatened. Extension has a responsibility to educate our residents about these potential threats and the importance of conserving what we have.

Data from the last 20 years shows that more than 70% of Pulaski Co Home & Garden soil samples are in the adequate to high range for phosphorous. Overabundance of phosphorous is bad for our water systems and is wasteful.

Beekeeping has grown in Pulaski County. The association has doubled its membership over the last few years. The Beginning Bee Schools have been hugely successful, increasing our base number of beekeepers by 30-40 over the last few years. Therefore, honey bee and pollinator health is of great importance in this county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adults and youth will maintain or improve the natural resources on their properties. Lake Cumberland will remain a clean water source. Soils will be conserved on the farm and at home. Managed livestock and unmanaged wildlife will survive and thrive. The number of beekeepers will increase or remain steady.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adults and youth will mentor others in keeping bees and become involved in the local beekeepers association.

Home gardeners will take soil samples of their properties and follow UK recommendations for fertility for their home landscapes.

Adults and youth will plant pollinator-friendly gardens.

Initial Outcomes:

Adults and youth will become beekeepers.

Home gardeners will learn about soil testing.

Adults and youth will learn the importance of conserving wildlife (native pollinators), bees, and which plants support them at their homes or schools.

Adults and youth become more proficient at the production of livestock.  

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Adults and youth become beekeepers

Indicator:

Method: personal communication

Timeline: Spring 2019

Initial Outcome: Adults and youth learn about soil testing

Indicator: number of soil tests increase

Method:

Timeline: throughout year 2018-19

Intermediate Outcome: Adults and youth will be involved in beekeeping association

Indicator: attendance at meetings

Method:

Timeline: throughout year 2018-19

Long-term Outcome: Same or more number of beekeepers

Indicator: presence at local association meetings or inter schools

Method:

Timeline: throughout year 2018-19

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults and youth interested in beekeeping

Project or Activity: Beginner Beekeeping School

Content or Curriculum: Notebook containing various UK and other university publications

Inputs: KY bee specialists, local beekeepers

Date: Winter 2019

Audience: Home gardeners and youth

Project or Activity: various toolbox classes, youth career days, community events

Content or Curriculum: powerpoints, displays, UK publications

Inputs: Master Gardeners, UK specialists, Hort Agents, UK publications, other professionals

Date: throughout year 2018-19

Audience: Beekeepers or other interested adults

Project or Activity: various activities in the hive at the Extension office

Content or Curriculum: various, will use local knowledge, topics such as requeening, splitting the hive, combining hives, honey extraction, etc(as needed)

Inputs: experienced beekeepers, hives, all equipment pertaining to beekeeping

Date: April 2018-June 2019

Audience: Home gardeners

Project or Activity: Rain Garden workshop

Content or Curriculum: UK publications

Inputs: UK specialists, local greenhouse

Date: spring 2019