Extension
It Starts With Us
Natural Resources
Natural Resources
McCarty
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Today’s youth spend most of their days inside instead of being outside and exploring the land like previous generations. Educating today's youth on the resources that our forest land can give us is very beneficial to the youth and to the forest. Forests, also called woodlands, cover 48% of Kentucky and are mostly privately owned. These forests provide numerous environmental benefits such as improved air, water, and wildlife habitat. The forests provide a family income for many Menifee County Residents. Kentucky’s forests can be healthier and more productive by implementing sustainable forest management practices.
Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration. Adults have an enhanced ability to address a variety of forest health, management and utilization related issues, resulting in: increased revenue, increased forest productivity, and improved forest health.
Adults make more informed decisions regarding managing and utilizing forest resources, and Timber harvest operations abide by all laws and regulations. Youth will explain the importance and role of natural resources content. Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H Natural Resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations.
Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content. Youth will develop valuable life skills including decision making, critical thinking, communications, record keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.
Adults will learn the Laws impacting forest health, management, and utilization will be understood.
Outcome: Youth plant their mushrooms and 80% have success of growing.
Indicator: Mushroom development.
Method: 4-H Common Measures.
Timeline: Winter 2024
Outcome: Youth can successfully identify Mushrooms.
Indicator: Mushroom Dichotomous Guide.
Method: 4-H Common Measures.
Timeline: Winter 2024
Outcome: # of kids increase that have interest in Shooting Sports.
Indicator: Sign ups increase.
Method: 4-H Common Measures.
Timeline: Spring 2024.
Outcome: Master Loggers increase in the county.
Indicator: Increase in Master Logger attendees.
Method: Survey.
Timeline: Winter 2024.
Outcome: Adult Mushroom Program
Indicator: Mushroom question increase
Method: Signups
Timeline: Fall 2023 and Winter 2024
Audience: 4-Hers, Boys Home, Job Core
Project or Activity: Mushrooms
Content or Curriculum: The Fungus Files
Inputs: Teachers, Agents, Specialist, and SNAP
Date: 2022-2023 School Year
Audience: Shooting Sports
Project or Activity: Shooting Sports
Content or Curriculum: Shooting Sports
Inputs: Shooting Sports
Date: Apr 2023-Sept 2023
Audience: Master Loggers
Project or Activity: Forestry Education Webinar
Content or Curriculum: UK Forestry
Inputs: Specialist
Date:Winter 2023
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Camping
4-H camp is a program that offers so much in 4 days and 3 nights. Some attendees this may be the first time that they are away from home without a guardian there to help them in their decisions. Campers learn about time management, responsibilities, camp chores, money management and many more. They also learn skills at camp that they may not realize that they had the ability to make accomplish. This program could not happen without teen and adult leaders. This year
