HorticulturePlan of Work

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Mason County CES

Title:
Horticulture
MAP:
Agriculture and Environment
Agents Involved:
Macy Fawns, Trever Cole
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Master Gardener
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Horticulture, Commercial
Situation:

The 2018 National Gardening Survey found that 77% of American households garden in some way. Other estimates reveal that consumer horticulture and supporting industries contribute nearly $200 billion to the US economy each year and support over 2 million jobs. Recent trends indicate that more and more Americans are growing their own food (35% of households) while interests in ornamental plants remains high, particularly in the area of gardening to support pollinators and other ecological uses of plants. American gardeners will continue to look to Cooperative Extension for specific answers to their gardening questions. The Extension Master Gardener Program equips trained and certified volunteers to assist Extension staff in delivering research-based gardening information to the public. According to the 2017 USDA Agriculture Census, the number of farms and acres for commercial horticulture continues to grow. Consumer preference for affordable, local fresh food can be measured by the 160 farmers markets in 110 counties with over 2,700 vendors. In addition, growers are marketing through community supported agriculture, produce auctions, and direct marketing to restaurants, schools, and institutions.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will be able to recognize required food safety practices 

Indicator(s): Number of producers who were successfully trained by Extension on food safety (GAP or FSMA)

Method: Observation & Surveys 

Timeline: Spring


Intermediate Outcome: Participants will change their practices to improve sustainability. 

Indicator(s): Number of those indicating an increased awareness of sustainable agriculture practices

Method: Observation and Interviews

Timeline: Spring & Fall


Long-term Outcome: Increase in number of Master Gardener volunteers. 

Indicator(s): Number of master gardeners that have completed certification and were active volunteers in the county during the past year

Method: Observation & surveys 

Timeline: 2023


Initial Outcome: Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems. 

Indicator(s): Number of youth who indicated they are interested in learning more about plant science (Common Measures – SC 2)

Method:  Pre & Post Evaluation

Timeline: spring & fall


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations. 

Indicator(s): Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H natural resource programming

Method:  Pre & Post Evaluation

Timeline: Spring & fall


Long-Term Outcome: Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. 

Indicator(s): Number of youth who have gained an understanding of ecosystems in Kentucky

Method:  Pre & Post Evaluation

Timeline: 2023

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Junior Master Gardener Program 

Content or Curriculum: Junior Master Gardener curriculum, 4-H Gardening Levels A, B, C, D, and Helper’s Guide 

Inputs: 4-H Agent, Horticulture Agent, Cummins Nature Preserve, Master Gardeners 

Date: Late spring 


Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Master Gardener program

Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener curriculum

Inputs: Horticulture Agent, UK specialists, field trips

Date: 2023


Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Apple production 

Content or Curriculum: Field day 

Inputs: Horticulture Agent and UK specialists 

Date: 2023


Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Wreath and Centerpiece Classes 

Content or Curriculum: Workshop 

Inputs: Horticulture Agent, supplies, volunteers

Date: December 



Success Stories

Master Gardeners volunteering while incarcerated

Author: Lorin Fawns

Major Program: Master Gardener

 The Master Gardener Program at the Mason County Detention Center had ten graduates, most of whom earned four certificates and one license. Everyone participated, completing their homework and passing the final test without needing the extra points they earned from the homework.. Below is a list of the volunteer service that was completed through the program. # made 330 bows to be used for wreath & centerpiece classes and youth holiday program.#made 30 insect/pest ID booklets.# rec

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Master Gardener Program at local Detention Center

Author: Lorin Fawns

Major Program: Master Gardener

The Mason County Horticulture agent hosted a Master Gardener program at the Mason County Detention Center. The class was held once a week for 14 weeks for three hours a day; topics ranged from growing vegetables, landscape, fruit, lawn care, etc. Each week participants came to class, read materials given out, and completed homework; the last class consisted of a final example; 100% of participants passed the exam and graduated from the program. In addition to the Master Gardener certificate, the

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