Utilizing, preserving and protecting Harlan County's Natural ResourcesPlan of Work

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Harlan County CES

Title:
Utilizing, preserving and protecting Harlan County's Natural Resources
MAP:
Natural Resources and Environmental Education
Agents Involved:
Raymond Cox, Jeremy Williams
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Situation:

Harlan County's natural resources are one of it's greatest assets. With more than 250,000 acres of forest and miles of rivers and streams, proper utilization and protection is a high priority.


Due to the abundance of Natural Resources, the County Extension Council members, program groups, and advisory groups, view that the management of natural resources and the improvement of environmental quality plays a key role in Harlan County citizens way of life.


Developing programing will demonstrate that citizens can properly utilize and promote their natural resources while also protecting it at the same time.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Citizens will embrace the natural resources and environmental stewardship for sustainable use.
Intermediate Outcomes:
Citizens will recognize that natural resources area vital part of the county's economic and ecological framework and can produce benefits and enjoyment. Citizens will also initiate practices and adopt solutions to improve environmental quality. Youth will practice environmental stewardship which they have learned in environmental programs.
Initial Outcomes:
Citizens will gain knowledge in the use of recommended practices to better maintain and responsibly utilize our natural resources and their effects on the environment, economy and way of life. They will also gain the knowledge to educate others.
Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: Citizens gain a knowledge of how to utilize, protect, preserve and promote natural resources
Indicator: Number of citizens that participate in workshops and camps
Method: Program and workshop participation
Timeline: Throughout year

Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults will be able to recognize that natural resources are a vital part of the county
Indicator: Participation in environmental camps, workshops, and programs
Method: Leaf ID projects, workshop participation
Timeline: Throughout year

Long-term Outcome: Citizens will have an increased knowledge of natural resources and environment in Harlan County
Indicator: Number of citizens that indicate they have made changes to responsibly utilize, protect, preserve produce and/or promote Harlan County's natural resources
Method: Participation in trainings and workshops, educating others, observation
Timeline: Throughout year
Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Environmental Camp

Content or Curriculum: Discussion, demonstrations, and hand-on projects

Inputs: Staff, leaders, specialists,

Date: September 2023


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Winter Bird Feeding

Content or Curriculum: Hands-on

Inputs: Staff, volunteers

Date: Fall 2023 and winter 2024


Audience: Youth and adults

Project or Activity: Bluebird nesting boxes

Content or Curriculum: Hands-on building of nesting boxes

Inputs: Staff, volunteers

Date: Winter and Spring 2024


Audience: Adults and youth

Project or Activity: Black Bear Education

Content or Curriculum: "Be Bear Aware"

Inputs: Staff

Date: Spring 2024


Audience:  Adults

Content or Curriculum:  Woodland Management for Landowners

Inputs:  Staff and specialists

Date:  February / March 2024


Audience:  Adults

Project or Activity:  Master Logger Education

Content or Curriculum:  Master Logger Curriculum

Inputs:  Staff and Specialists

Date:  Spring 2024


Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Energy savings

Content or Curriculum: Moneywise, presentations

Inputs: Staff, specialists

Date: Winter 2023/2024


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Backyard Maple Syrup Production

Content or Curriculum: Publications, workshops

Inputs: Staff, specialist, speakers

Date: Fall 2023 and Winter 2024


Audience: 4th - 12th grade

Project or Activity: Jr./Sr. Forestry

Content or Curriculum: Identification, measuring, leaf ID

Inputs: Staff, specialists, volunteers

Date: Fall 2023 & Spring 2024


Audience: 4th - 6th grade

Project or Activity: Rock Sandwich

Content or Curriculum: Geology, Rock ID Booklet

Inputs: Staff, assistants

Date: As needed during the year 


Audience:  All ages

Project or Activity:  Citizen Science Project 

Content or Curriculum:  Identification, publications, programs

Inputs:  Staff and specialists

Date:  Throughout year


Audience:  Adults

Project or Activity:  Food Preservation

Content or Curriculum:  UK Food Preservation Curriculum 

Inputs:  FCS Agent

Date:  Fall 2023 (Harvesting Season)














Success Stories

Citizen Science Project

Author: Jeremy Williams

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

The Spongy Moth is a destructive insect that prefers to feed on of oak trees but will also feed on other tree species such as poplar, maple, basswood, and apple, to name a few.  While it is not currently established in Kentucky, vigilance is needed.  The Spongy Moth is able to move long distances via fire wood, vehicles, and household goods, allowing it to make establishment in an area.  With the help of the University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, the Harlan County Extens

Full Story

Master Logger Continuing Education

Author: Jeremy Williams

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Harlan County is comprised of 259,784 acres of forest land in which 93% is privately owned.  Kentucky’s timber industry depends on Certified Master Loggers to keep the timber economy strong.   Kentucky Master Logger certification allows the loggers to work with landowners and saw mills to get the product to market.  Without the certification, those loggers can’t perform their jobs and meet the objectives of the industry.  The Master Logger must receive six hours o

Full Story
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