Extension
It Starts With Us
Environmental Quality
Agricultural and Environmental
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Natural Resources
Soil testing
Pollinators
With almost 97% of all Woodford County land involved in agricultural or residential uses, proper stewardship of natural and human resources is of vital importance. Woodford County’s western border also comprises 40 miles of Kentucky River frontage and about 40% of the entire Palisade region. This area is known to support very diverse plant and wildlife populations. With such a prominent and distinctive natural resource, environmental awareness for Woodford County residents is vital. County stakeholders have rated environmental stewardship and community awareness among their top concerns. Providing educational programs and services to increase environmental quality in Woodford County is needed to address these issues.
Measured improvement in water quality, habitat preservation, and improved soil health.
Clientele make informed management decisions for environmentally sensitive areas.
Clientele to be able to recognize and identify specific environmental issues within the county.
Initial Outcome: For clientele to be able to recognize and identify specific environmental issues within the county.
Indicator: Observation
Method: Personal interviews
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Clientele make informed management decisions for environmentally sensitive areas.
Indicator: Observation
Method: Site Visits, Personal Consultation
Timeline: Annually
Long-term Outcome: Measured improvement in water quality, habitat preservation, and improved soil health.
Indicator: Reports and statistics
Method: Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, and state/local Soil Conservation District(s)
Timeline: As Available
Audience: Farmers/Landowners
Project or Activity: Educational Programs, Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Managing environmentally sensitive areas.
Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford County Beef Cattle Association, Farmer Cooperators
Date: Yearly
Audience: Homeowners/Landowners
Project or Activity: Soil Testing
Content or Curriculum: Proper soil testing/soil recommendations based on university research.
Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Regulatory Services, Woodford County Conservation District, CES Publications
Date: Yearly
Audience: Homeowners/Landowners
Project or Activity: Monarch Waystation Grant Program
Content or Curriculum: Native plants for pollinators, in-class session on proper planting, plant lists
Inputs: Agent Time, specialists time, Master Gardeners
Date: Yearly
Audience: Homeowners/Farmers
Project or Activity: Horticulture Educational Programs/Events/Workshops
Content or Curriculum: Environmentally sound horticultural practices for farms, home gardens, and landscapes.
Inputs: Agent Time, Specialist Time, CES publications
Date: January - December
Audience: General
Project or Activity: Earth Day Tree Seedling Giveaway
Content or Curriculum: Extension information booth, tree species information and planting instructions
Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, Woodford County Conservation District, Fish and Wildlife Service, CES publications
Date: Yearly
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Stream Team
Content or Curriculum: Project WET, Kentucky River Water Watch, Stream Team
Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, Stream Team Materials, Volunteer Leader Time
Date: Monthly - Quarterly
Audience: Farmers/Landowners
Project or Activity: Cost Share Programs
Content or Curriculum: Teaching/Implementing practices for environmental conservation and preservation.
Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford Co. Agricultural Development Board
Date: Yearly
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In 2022, the Woodford Co. Extension Service collaborated with several local partners on the Annual Farm Tour. Over 250 participants learned about production agriculture, genetically modified crops, local foods and farmers markets, and local watershed studies. Several months after the event, a participant stated that the information they learned about genetically modified crops and local foods at the farm tour event led them to make more informed decisions about their food purchases.
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Natural Resources
Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any chance youth audiences can be challenged to develop life skills or soft skills allows 4-H to invest in the next generation of citizens. With these two goals in mind, Areas
