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
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Agriculture
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Situation:

Natural resources play an important role in our state’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.

Most of Montgomery County lies in the Outer Bluegrass Region of central Kentucky. The eastern and southern edges of the county border the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field and contain a number of high knobs and ridges, many with elevations in excess of 1,200 feet. The area is well dissected and is drained by tributaries of the Kentucky and Licking Rivers. Both the highest and lowest points are situated in the southwestern part of the county. The highest elevation, 1,447 feet, is a point on Westbrook Mountain near the Montgomery-Powell County line. The lowest elevation, about 707 feet, is at the junction of Montgomery, Powell, and Clark Counties where Copperas Creek leaves the county (McGrain and Currens, 1978).

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) can preserve our natural resources and prolong their benefits to all.

Today’s youth spend less time outdoors than previous generations (Clemonts, 2004; Karsten, 2005; Carver et al., 2008) and are likely able to identify a Pokémon character more easily than a native plant or animal (Balmford et al., 2002). Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducts a survey to assess Kentuckian’s environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. According to KEEC’s 2015-2020 Environmental Education Master Plan (2015), “…the average Kentuckian is able to answer correctly slightly more than half of the environmental knowledge questions included on the survey. This result leaves ample room for improvement” (p 27).

4-H provides environmental education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation for natural resources and environmental sciences. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of environmental science, entomology, forestry and wood science, geology, soils, water, wildlife, and shooting sports.


Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth will be environmentally literate.

Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration.


Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air.

Protect and improve water quality.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth will explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life.

Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect natural resources.

Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations.


Adopt conservation practices appropriate to farming operation.

Adopt appropriate manure handling practices

Maintain vegetative buffers along water bodies

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content.

Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship.

Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.


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:

Outcome: 

Indicator:

Timeline: FY'2021-24


*Initial Outcome: Agricultural Producers and Homeowners are introduced to the importance of clean water, best management practices for soil conservation and proper pesticide application and handling.

Indicator: Number of Agricultural Producers and Homeowners introduced environmental stewardship practices

Method: Recommendations given, Water Quality Plans developed and Pesticide Trainings attended

Timeline: FY'2021-2024

Intermediate Outcome: Agricultural Producers and Homeowners understanding and recognizing importance of clean water, best management practices for soil conservation and proper pesticide application and handling.

Indicator: Number of Agricultural Producers and Homeowners adopting environmental stewardship practices

Timeline: FY'2021-2024

Long-term Outcome: Reduced environmental impact to water, soil, or air and and improved water quality.

Indicator: Numbers attending Pesticide Trainings, Developing Water Quality Plans and Conservation Practices.

Method: Observation and Evaluation

Timeline: FY'2021-2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Youth ages 9-18

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; partnering organizations & agencies; camp staff support;

Date: annually in October if schools choose to participate


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

Timeline: FY'2021-2024



Success Stories

Back to Environmental Camp

Author: Charles Comer

Major Program: Camping

In 1997, the first 4-H Environmental Overnight Camp was planned and implemented with Mount Sterling Elementary School 4th grade classrooms. From that initial camp, the program has grown over the last twenty-four years to include the three other elementary school 4th grades.  All environmental camps paused in fall 2020 and spring 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing schools to implement virtual learning as the mode of formal learning.  4th grade camps were scheduled for fall 2021 w

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