Extension
It Starts With Us
Valuing Natural Resources and Establishing Community Environmental Awareness
Environmental Awareness and Sustainability
Comley, Hettmansperger, Lunsford
Health
Garrard County is primarily rural with a consistent agricultural tradition as the dominant industry. In addition to expanses of small tracts of farmland, expected bluegrass-area, localized plots of forested area, and streams and rivers throughout the county. With a broad diversity of area within the county and throughout the state, the expectation of youth exposure to outdoor education, traditional farm practices, and knowledge of environmental awareness, but the reality is contrary. A 2014 report by The Outdoor Foundation shows a rise in girl participation in outdoor activities and a decline in boy participation. Another report NEARBY NATURE: A Buffer of Life Stress Among Rural Children discusses the importance of establishing green spaces, and access to nature for rural youth. Urban youth are given a greater amount of attention due to a perceived lack of green space in their community, but the opposite is generally true factoring in opportunity and more modern city planning.
Youth will use scientific techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that will positively sustain the natural resources in the home, community and world.
Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Youth will make decisions in their daily lives that positively impact natural resources.
Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment in their home and community.
Youth will use problem solving and logical reasoning skill and apply them to environmental issues.
Youth will develop an interest in environmental sciences and sustainable practices and technologies
Youth will gain knowledge of the interrelationship and interdependencies with an ecosystem.
Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge of the interrelationship and interdependencies with an ecosystem.
Indicator: Number of youth who have gained an understanding of the ecosystems in nature.
Method: Environmental Day Program, Overnight Environmental Camp, In-School Programming, Club Activities, Day and Project Workshops
Timeline: Year Round
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will use problem solving and logical reasoning skill and apply them to environmental issues.
Indicator: Number of youth who use their skills to conserve natural resources.
Method: Local Natural Resources Club or Environmental Club, In-School Programming, Envirothon
Timeline: Year Round
Long-term Outcome: Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Indicator: Youth engaged in local through global environmental awareness, education, repair, and rebuilding projects
Method: In-School Programming, 4-H Designated Clubs (Environmental, Natural Resource, Nature Exploration or Photography Club)
Timeline: Year Round
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Environmental Day Camp
Content or Curriculum: Project WET, Project WILD, Project Learning Tree
Inputs: 4-H Youth Development Agent, Volunteers, Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Division of Forestry, KNSPC
Date:
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: In-School Natural Resources Programming
Content or Curriculum: Project WILD, Project WET, Project Learning Tree, National 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Youth Development Agent, Volunteer, Curriculum Guides, handouts
Date: Fall, Winter, Spring
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Overnight Environmental Camp
Content or Curriculum: Project WILD, Project WET, Project Learning Tree, National 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent, 4-H Camping Facility, 4-H Camp Director, Division of Forestry, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Division of Water
Date:
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Envirothon
Content or Curriculum: Project WET, National 4-H Curriculum, Insect Resources, Forestry Project 1
Inputs: 4-H Agent, Division of Forestry, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Division of Conservation
Date: Fall and Spring
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Project Day Programs (Insect, Leaf Collection, Geology)
Content or Curriculum: Project Learning Tree, Insect Curriculum, Forestry Project 1, National 4-H Natural Resources Curricula Guides
Inputs: 4-H Agent, Volunteers, Extension Office, Local Funding
Date: Spring and Summer
Audience: Youth, Adults
Project or Activity: Virtual Learning (Live Streaming or Virtual Learning)
Content or Curriculum: Junior Master Gardner (JMG), JMG Wildlife Gardner, "On the Ground" Virtual Learning Series
Inputs: 4-H Agent, Local Funding, Digital Camera
Date: Year Round
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Being inside for long periods of time is a problem. This seems simple and the research is clear about the adverse change in physical, emotional, and mental health of youth and adults being indoors for significant amounts of time. Obesity in children has increased over the last two decades as a result of access to technology and the discouragement of adults to engage in free moving, free thinking play outside (Hopefully.com; Tara West). Being outside corrects this issue and provides the resources
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Michael Clarke, in an interview about the state of our knowledge regarding nature, described a new phenomena regarding the inability of individuals to know their local species of animals and plants. This disconnect from local natural systems prompted the Garrard County 4-H Youth Development (YD) Agent, in collaboration with the Garrard County FFA Advisor, to start and sustain an Envirothon Team at Garrard County High School. The program was implemented in 2016 and the inaugural group graduated,
