Carroll County CES

Title:

Environmental Stewardship

MAP:

Agriculture Enhancement and Sustainability

Agents Involved:

Joyce Doyle, Christy Eastwood and Maggie Forsee

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Integrated Pest Management

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Substance Use Recovery – 4-H Youth Development

Situation:

The quality and health of water and soil, along with compliance of chemical use, is vital for agriculture.  Non-compliance can impact eligibility for cost share and/or federal funding, result in legal ramification, and loss of business.

Kentucky has over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers. Many of these stream miles are impaired by pollution such as sediment, bacteria, and excess nutrients. Urban areas, agricultural areas, and construction sites are examples of sources of these pollutants. Landowners are often confused about how to manage challenges associated with streams on their property. Regulatory restrictions concerning stream maintenance can be confusing and many streams are subject to increased erosion, scoured streambanks, and pollution from adjacent land uses.

According to the 2019 Carroll County Community Assessment, the top priority in Agriculture & Environment was less illegal dumping and littering, which can impact pollution.  Members of the Carroll County Agricultural Development Council agreed this topic was an area of focus for Extension Programming in Environmental Stewardship.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Minimize the environmental impact on air, soil, and water.
• Carroll County Youth will:
  • Use scientific techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that will positively sustain the natural resources in the home, community and world.
  • Be engaged in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
  • Be environmentally literate.
  • Make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration. 
  • Be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Producers and residents complete Kentucky Private Pesticide Applicator Training, and are trained in Worker Protection Standards.
• Producers and landowners complete or update their Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Plan.
• Producers and landowners complete their Kentucky Nutrient Management Plan.
• Producers, landowners, and resident adopt best management practices to improve soil health and water quality.
• Carroll County Youth will:
  • Adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment in their home and community.
  • Use problem solving and logical reasoning skills and apply them to environmental issues.
  • Explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life.
  • Utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations.
  • Develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership

Initial Outcomes:

• Producers, landowners, and residents gain knowledge in:
  • Integrated Pest Management practices
  • Best management practices for farm ponds, streams (both farm and backyard), and soil health
• Carroll County Youth will: 
  • Learn shooting sports safety as well as shooting sports disciplines
  • Gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content. 
  • Gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship. 
  • Become aware of the importance of clean water
  • Know about watersheds
  • Understand the value of trees and careers in forestry through our wood science club
  • Learn how to make an electric circuit and make an electric item
  • Learn shooting sports safety and will be taught gun disciplines as well as archery

Evaluation:

Outcome:  

Long-term

Indicator:

Producers, landowners, and residents put best management practices into place.  Number of youth completed 4-H natural resources projects in the community.

Method:

Surveys of producers, landowners, and residents.   Follow-up surveys with youth. 

Timeline:

2 – 4 years

Outcome:

Intermediate

Indicator:

Increase in number of Private Applicator Pesticide Trainings, Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Plans, and Kentucky Nutrient Management Plans completed.   Number of youth who adopted best management practices in 4-H Natural Resources.

Method:

Monthly statistics.  Surveys of 4-H Members in Natural Resources.

Timeline:

1 – 1 ½ years

Outcome:

Initial

Indicator:

Increase in knowledge gained during programs and activities.

Method:

Surveys and evaluations of program participants.

Timeline:

6 months – 2 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:

Carroll County Producers and Landowners

Project or Activity:

Kentucky Ag Water Quality Plan

Content or Curriculum:

Encourage all producers to have an up-to-date and complete KYAWQ Plan on file with the Carroll County Conservation District.

Inputs:

Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Carroll County Conservation District, KYAWQ Plan website, Extension resources (publications), Time

Date:

All throughout the year

Audience:

Carroll County Producers, Landowners, and Residents

Activity:

Private Pesticide Applicator Training and Certification

Content or Curriculum:

UK Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Program

Inputs:

Extension Agent, Staff Assistant, Extension resources (publications, factsheets, etc.), Equipment (Soil probes, etc.), Time

Date:

February/March 2025

Audience:

Carroll County Producers, Landowners, and Residents

Activity:

Kentucky Nutrient Management Plan Workshop

Content or Curriculum:

ID-211: Kentucky Nutrient Management Planning Guidelines (KyNMP)

Inputs:

Extension Agent, Staff Assistant, UK Specialists, Extension resources (publications, factsheets, etc.), Time

Date:

Fall 2024

Audience:

Carroll County Youth

Activity:

Electricity

Content or Curriculum:

Snap Circuit Kits, 4-H Wire It Up Curriculum

Inputs:

Extension Agent, Staff Assistant, Volunteers, Extension resources (publications, factsheets, etc.), Time, Money

Date:

August 2024

May 2025

Audience:

Carroll County Youth

Activity:

4-H Wood Science  Forestry projects for county fair

Content or Curriculum:

Forestry Publications.

Inputs:

Extension Agent, Staff Assistant, Volunteers, Time, Money

Date:

September 2024

May 2025

Audience:

Carroll County Youth

Activity:

4-H Shooting Sports

Content or Curriculum:

Shooting Sports Policy and Procedures

Inputs:

Extension Agent, Staff Assistant, Volunteers, Parents, Equipment (Firearms, Throwers, Archery Targets, Ammunition), Time, Money

Date:

April  2024

April  2025

Audience:

Carroll County Youth

Activity:

4-H Camp

Content or Curriculum:

Life skills, survival in the outdoors.

Inputs:

Extension Agent, Extension Staff, Volunteers, Extension resources (publications, factsheets, etc.), Extension 4-H Specialists, 4-H Camping Staff, Money, Time

Date:

Summer 2024

Summer 2025