Environmental and Technology EducationPlan of Work

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Clark County CES

Title:
Environmental and Technology Education
MAP:
Addressing Environmental and Technology Issues
Agents Involved:
Madalyn Hale, Levi Berg, Shonda Johnston, Carrie Spry, Aubrey Lawson
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Health
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Situation:

Clark County youth will learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, engineering and technology issues in Kentucky and globally. Clark County Extension will expand its impact and extend its reach in science, engineering and technology by providing opportunities for hands-on scientific learning and discovery in addressing environmental and technology issues. People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. 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 and increase technology related to the natural environment and technology practices along with conserving natural resources and protecting our environment for future generations.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Clark County residents will use scientific techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that will positively sustain the natural resources in the home, community and world

Clark County residents will utilize the scientific method to solve problems, youth will choose a career path related to SET

Decrease of environmental problems arising from the improper application of fertilizers and pesticides.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Clark County youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H SET, demonstrate and share new abilities related to SET with others, and practice the scientific method

Clark County youth will make decisions about their daily lives that positively impact natural resources, adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment

Farmers and homeowners apply pesticides safely and also implement integrated pest management practices,

Clark County Farmers and homeowners incorporate soil testing into their farm production, and home landscape/gardening practices

Initial Outcomes:

Clark County community members will be informed of better environmental practices and opportunities available to reduce waste, become more energy efficient and ensure safety for themselves and their families

Clark County youth will be introduced to their environment and learn the systems of the world around them

Clark County youth will gain opportunities for development related to SET programs and careers

Producers and homeowners gain knowledge of properly applying pesticides, and integrated pest management.

Farmers and homeowners will learn the benefits of soil testing, and how soil testing protects our natural resources

Evaluation:

Outcome: Informed of better enviornmental practices and opportunies available to reduce waste, become more energy efficient and ensure safety for themselves and their families

Indicator: Continued and increased involvement in enviornmental educaitonal efforts

Method: Post Survey of Program

Timeline: Annually


Outcome: Youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H SET, demonstrate and share new abilities related to SET with others, and practice the scientific method

Indicator: Continued involvement in SET Programs

Method: Post Survey of Program

Timeline: Annually


Initial Outcome: Producers and Homeowners gain knowlege of properly applying pesticides, and implementing the integrated pest management approach to managing crop, livestock, garden, and landscape pests

Indicator: Program Participation, Survey Response

Method: Pre/Post Survey

Timeline: Each event


Initial Outcome: Farmers and homeowners will learn the benefits of soil testing, and how utilizing soil testing protects natural resources

Indicator: Program Participation, Survey Response

Method: Pre/Post Survey

Timeline: Conclusion of Each Event


Intermediate Outcome: Farmers and Homeowners apply pesticides safely following principles of Integrated Pest Management.

Indicator: Maintain or Increase Insect/Plant Past Sample Submission

Method: Track Samples Submitted

Timeline: Annually


Intermediate Outcome: Farmers and Homeowners incorporate soil testing into their farm, and landscape/gardening practices

Indicator: Maintain/Increase in soil sample Submissions

Method: Track Soil Test Submissions

Timeline: Annually

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4th Grade Students

Project or Activity: 4-H Environmental Camps

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Approved Curriculum

Inputs: Cooperative Extension Staff, Community Agencies, Schools, UK Specialist

Date: Fall 


Audience: 4-H age youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Robotics Club

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content

Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff/equipment/materials, 4-H Volunteer

Date: Monthly


Audience: 4-H age youth and adult volunteers

Project or Activity: Shooting Sports

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content

Inputs: Clark County Extension Staff, Coon Hunter’s Club, Castle Farm, Annex, Certified Volunteers

Date: Weekly


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Applicator Training

Content or Curriculum: UK Private Applicator Certification, KDA guidelines

Inputs: Extension Staff

Date: Spring 


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Soil Testing Program

Content or Curriculum: UK Regulatory Services

Inputs: Clark County Extension Staff, UK Specialists

Date: As Needed


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Clark County Extension Field Day

Content or Curriculum: UK Specialists and Publications

Inputs: Clark County Extension Staff, UK Specialists, Community Groups/Organizations

Date: Annually


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Newspaper/Radio Articles

Content or Curriculum: Insect and Plant Pest Management

Inputs: UK Publications, UK media releases, Winchester Sun Newspaper, WKYN Radio

Date: Once each Month


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Spring Gardening classes

Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener, lawn, gardening

Inputs: UK Publications, UK specialists, Master Gardener volunteers, Extension staff, Clark County Public Library, Clark County Community Education

Date: Spring 


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Winter School

Content or Curriculum: Protecting Soil and Water Quality, Natural Resources

Inputs: UK Publications, UK Specialists, Agriculture Professionals

Date: January 


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Newsletter

Content or Curriculum: Landscape, Gardening, Agriculture Production, Wildlife Habitat

Inputs: UK Publications

Date: 3 to 4 times per year


Audience:  Adults

Project or Activity:  Wildlife Food Plot Workshop

Content or Curriculum:  Wildlife Habitat/Wildlife Management

Inputs:  UK Wildlife Specialist, Land Owner, Extension Agent

Date:  Fall 


Audience:  4-H Age Youth

Project or Activity:  4-H Natural Resources

Content or Curriculum:  4-H NRESci Academy Forestry Leadership program Forestry Day

Inputs:  4-H Extension Staff, State Extension Specialist


Audience:  4-H Age Youth

Project or Activity:  4-H Nature Club

Content or Curriculum:  4-H Core Content

Inputs:  Extension Staff, Certified Volunteers, Local parks, trails, etc.

Date:  Monthly




Success Stories

Safety Day

Author: Carrie Spry

Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources

Healthy living is one of three 4-H mission mandates and encompasses: physical activity, personal safety, mental health, addiction prevention, and diversity and inclusion. Clark County Agents were approached by a local Family Resource Coordinator who had conducted a survey of parents at the Intermediate School in Clark County. This survey determined that personal safety and safety education were a concern to many parents. On September 15th, 2023 the Clark County Extension Agents hosted a Progress

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