Pulaski County CES

Title:

Natural Resources Awareness- NEW

MAP:

Sustainable Farms and Home Landscapes

Agents Involved:

Cole, Adkins, Wilson, Spurgeon

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Natural Resources

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beekeeping

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Soil testing

Situation:

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). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. The KEEC (2018) defines environmental literacy as “…the ability to recognize the components of healthy natural and man-made systems and the actions necessary to maintain, restore, or improve them” (p. 4) and states that environmental education is a pathway to environmental literacy (KEEC, 2018). Kentucky Statute (KRS 157.905) defines environmental education as “…an education process dealing with the interrelationships among the natural world and its man-made surroundings; is experience-based; interdisciplinary in its approach; and is a continuous life-long process that provides the citizenry with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to individually and collectively encourage positive actions for achieving and maintaining a sustainable balance between man and the environment” (Kentucky Legislative Research Committee, 2020, p.1). Kentucky 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.

Th Pulaski County livestock industry is heavily concentrated by cattle and calve operations which generates 85% of all animals sales while crop production is dominated by soybean at 33% and corn at 34% of all crops sales (CEDIK, 2015). To support these commodity groups attention to, livestock, forage, and grain systems is important to ensure ideal outcomes for producers. 

In addition to production agricultural, focus on small business management is critical for the success of farmers. According to the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (2008) it is projected that by 2028 70% of all U.S. farmland will change hands. Of further concern, according to the the USDA Census of Agriculture for decades the average age of farmers has steadily increased and the 2012 census indicated that  57.6 is the average age of principle farm operators in Kentucky. It is crucial for farms and small family businesses to be exposed to succession planning in order to prevent loss of businesses and  farming operations within Pulaski County.   

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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.

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:

• Youth will be environmentally literate.
• Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration.
• Youth will be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship.
• Improved sustainability of forage-based livestock systems. 
• Use of better varieties of forage crops.
• Maximize profits for grain producers. 
• Improved genetic quality and end product for enhanced consumer confidence in the industry.
• Assess family/financial situation, determine tools available for management, potential income, and  transferring assets.

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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.

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:

• 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.
• Develop a grazing plan for each operation. 
• Implement on farm trials of grain crops. 
• Improvement of weed management. 
• Use proper handling techniques for livestock. 
• Gain awareness of resources for farm succession planning. 

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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.

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:

• 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.
• Gain awareness of forage variety trial information. 
• Recognize need for succession planning  
• Identify herbicide resistant pests in grain crops.

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.  

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

Indicator: youth will participate in environmental science and natural resources projects

Method: Common measures evaluation, observation, # of projects entered into fair

Timeline: year round,

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources in clubs, and life situations. Youth will explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life.

Indicator: youth will participate in shooting sports

Method: common measures evaluation, observation

Timeline: May- Sept.

Long-term Outcome: Youth will be environmentally literate.

Indicator: More youth will be involved in NR programs at the county, district and state level

Method: common measures, observations

Timeline: year round

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth 9-19

Project or Activity: Shooting Sports

Content or Curriculum: Archery and Trap

Inputs: certified coaches

Date: May-Sept

Audience: 9-18

Project or Activity: 4-H entomology

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Teaming with Insects Levels 1, 2, 3, and Facilitator’s Guide; 4-H Entomology State Fair Resources;

Inputs: agent training, master gardeners, 4-H volunteers

Date:

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Audience: Cattle Producers 

Project or Activity: Pulaski County Cattleman's Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Summer, Fall, Spring

Audience: Cattle Producers 

Project or Activity: BQA Trainings

Content or Curriculum: BQA Materials

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Quarterly 

Audience: Forage Producers 

Project or Activity: Production Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics 

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Summer, Fall, Spring

Audience: All Producers, Small Family Businesses

Project or Activity: Production Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics 

Inputs: Farm Credit, Industry Professionals 

Date: Winter

Audience:4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Livestock Club

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Quarterly 

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: CAIP Training

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Fall

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 2021-22

 

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 2021-22

 

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: throughout year

 

Audience: Home gardeners

Project or Activity: Rain Garden workshop

Content or Curriculum: UK publications

Inputs: UK specialists, local greenhouse

Date: spring 2022

 

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 2021-22

 

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 2021-22

Success Stories