Kenton County CES

Title:

Forested Systems

MAP:

Raising Environmental Awareness

Agents Involved:

Michele Stanton, Dan Allen

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.

As residents become more aware and appreciative of our forested lands, creeks and the natural world in general, they want to learn about the animals, plants, geology, watersheds and other features of our natural environment.

Long-Term Outcomes:

•Greater appreciation of the natural world and our local environment
•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, farms and green spaces
•Indicators: Retention of canopy area
•Increased use of native plants in both landscapes and restored areas
•Evaluation: Aerial surveys, written participant surveys, Monarch tagging counts, volunteer hours given
•Participants will volunteer as naturalist leaders for similar future Extension programs
•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.
•Develop volunteer corps to help with reforestation & classes at new building
•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, watersheds 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
•Participants will create class-in-a-box kits to assist with future hands-on activities
•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 2019; Spring 2020

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 wanting firewood from their property
Project or Activity: How to Fall a Tree and Chain Saw Safety
Content or Curriculum: Master Logger Safety Program
Inputs: UK Forestry Extension Specialists
Date: Fall 2019

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: Summer 2019, 2020

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: Ongoing

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: 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 2019

Success Stories