Extension
It Starts With Us
Focus on Forestry, wildlife, and natural resource managment
Animal Science, Natural resources and environmental education
Brian Good, Michelle Brock and Rebecca Miller
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Agriculture
According to the Kentucky Division of Forestry, Bell County is situated atop an abundance of natural resources; with almost 200,000 acres of forest land, lakes, streams, a state park and a national park, Bell Countians need to understand the importance of our environment and its role in our economy and everyday life. 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. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generations. Also, a needs assessment conducted by the Bell County Extension service revealed that the community wanted less illegal dumping and littering in our communities.
Land owners, youth, and citizens practice proper environmental stewardship that will conserve natural resources and the productivity of the land while maximizing the economic and social benefits.
Land owners, youth, and citizens practice proper environmental stewardship that will conserve natural resources and the productivity of the land while maximizing the economic and social benefits.
Community leaders, landowners, youth, and citizens will gain knowledge of the use of recommended management practices and the effect of the proper use of these practices on the environment. Community leaders, land owners, youth and citizens value proper environmental stewardship practices and become aware of the impact of the decisions they make on the environment.
Long-Term Outcome: Landowners and citizens gain knowledge and implement recommended environmental management practices, such as BMP's of timber harvesting and agricultural operations.
Indicator: Number of clients implementing these practices
Method: Program participation, Home/Farm Visits, surveys, and individual contacts
Timeline: on going
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of native trees, fauna, and flora of the forests of Southeast Kentucky
Indicator: Participation in 4-H Projects, Judging Teams, Environmental Camps and School Enrichment
Method: Program participation, 4-H Projects, Individual Contacts
Timeline: summer
Initial Outcome: Recommended management practices and proper environmental stewardship will be implemented by clientele.
Indicator: Clientele will reproduce practices they have learned through ag extension programs.
Method: Verbal, farm visits, student report
Timeline: on going
Audience: general public, youth
Project or Activity: Tree grafting
Content or Curriculum: UK Pubs
Inputs: volunteers, agents, schools
Date: on going : Spring 2025
Audience: 4-H youth
Project or Activity: Project Wild
Content or Curriculum: Project wild resource guide
Inputs: volunteers, agents, schools, community partners
Date: July 2024-June 2025
Audience: 4-H youth
Project or Activity: 4-H outdoor skills club
Content or Curriculum: UK pubs
Inputs: volunteers, agents, schools, community partners
Date: July 2024-June 2025
Audience: 4-H youth/ primary grades
Project or Activity: 4-H life cycle of a butterfly
Content or Curriculum: UK publication
Inputs: agents and schools
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: Adults and Teens
Project or Activity: Beekeepers Club
Content or Curriculum: UK publication, Approved Curriculum
Inputs: agents, UK Specialists, Volunteers
Date: July 2024, June 2025
Audience: Adults and Teens
Project or Activity: Mushroom Series
Content or Curriculum: UK publication, Approved Curriculum
Inputs: agents, UK Specialists, Volunteers
Date: July 2024, June 2025
Audience: Adults and Teens
Project or Activity: Kentucky Native Plants
Content or Curriculum: UK publication, Approved Curriculum
Inputs: agents, UK Specialists, Volunteers
Date: July 2024, June 2025
Author: Michelle Brock
Major Program: Small Farm Diversification
Our mushroom log inoculation program which occurred in late winter was an engaging, hands on educational program that introduces participants to the fascinating world of fungi cultivation. During the program, participants learn how to inoculate logs with mushroom spores, a process that allows mushrooms to grow and fruit over time. This hands-on experience often proves to be both enjoyable and rewarding, as participants get to witness the transformation of ordinary l
