Extension
It Starts With Us
Animal Science & Natural Resource Education
Natural Resources Conservation
Adkins, Harper, Wilson
Beef
Sustainable Agriculture
Chemical Crop Management Tools
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
Pulaski County is considered a rural county but many of its residents and children are not from a rural environment. Pulaski County has approximately 1700 farmers but our population is 63,000 (2010) and is projected to grow to 71,000 by 2020. Many will move here to retire while others will come for job opportunities. Pulaski County has many natural resources: Lake Cumberland, many acres of forested land, vast wildlife and managed livestock, and good soils.
Today's youth and adults must learn to responsibly enjoy and conserve the natural resources that Pulaski County is fortunate to have. As the county grows, many of our natural resources may be destroyed or threatened. Extension has a responsibility to educate our residents about these potential threats and the importance of conserving what we have.
Data from the last 20 years shows that more than 70% of Pulaski Co Home & Garden soil samples are in the adequate to high range for phosphorous. Overabundance of phosphorous is bad for our water systems and is wasteful.
Beekeeping has grown in Pulaski County. The association has doubled its membership over the last few years. The Beginning Bee Schools have been hugely successful, increasing our base number of beekeepers by 30-40 over the last few years. Therefore, honey bee and pollinator health is of great importance in this county.
Adults and youth will maintain or improve the natural resources on their properties. Lake Cumberland will remain a clean water source. Soils will be conserved on the farm and at home. Managed livestock and unmanaged wildlife will survive and thrive. The number of beekeepers will increase or remain steady.
Adults and youth will mentor others in keeping bees and become involved in the local beekeepers association.
Home gardeners will take soil samples of their properties and follow UK recommendations for fertility for their home landscapes.
Adults and youth will plant pollinator-friendly gardens.
Adults and youth will become beekeepers.
Home gardeners will learn about soil testing.
Adults and youth will learn the importance of conserving wildlife (native pollinators), bees, and which plants support them at their homes or schools.
Adults and youth become more proficient at the production of livestock.
Initial Outcome: Adults and youth become beekeepers
Indicator:
Method: personal communication
Timeline: Spring 2018
Initial Outcome: Adults and youth learn about soil testing
Indicator: number of soil tests increase
Method:
Timeline: throughout year 2017-18
Intermediate Outcome: Adults and youth will be involved in beekeeping association
Indicator: attendance at meetings
Method:
Timeline: throughout year 2017-18
Long-term Outcome: Same or more number of beekeepers
Indicator: presence at local association meetings or inter schools
Method:
Timeline: throughout year 2017-18
Audience: Adults and youth interested in beekeeping
Project or Activity: Beginner Beekeeping School
Content or Curriculum: Notebook containing various UK and other university publications
Inputs: KY bee specialists, local beekeepers
Date: Winter 2018
Audience: Home gardeners and youth
Project or Activity: various toolbox classes, youth career days, community events
Content or Curriculum: powerpoints, displays, UK publications
Inputs: Master Gardeners, UK specialists, Hort Agents, UK publications, other professionals
Date: throughout year 2017-18
Audience: Beekeepers or other interested adults
Project or Activity: various activities in the hive at the Extension office
Content or Curriculum: various, will use local knowledge, topics such as requeening, splitting the hive, combining hives, honey extraction, etc(as needed)
Inputs: experienced beekeepers, hives, all equipment pertaining to beekeeping
Date: April 2018-June 2018
Audience: Home gardeners
Project or Activity: Rain Garden workshop
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: UK specialists, local greenhouse
Date: spring 2018
Author: Meagan Lucas
Major Program: Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
Pulaski County 4-H hosted our second safety day on October 18th. Last year was hugely successful and so we continued with the program this year. Close to 700 eighth grade students from the Northern and Southern middle schools were in attendance. Students visited eight stations where they learned about topics ranging from livestock, electrical, tractor, lawnmower, boat, and fire safety, to first aid, and drug and alcohol prevention. We worked with several community partners to put together the sa
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
For the first time in many years the Pulaski County shooting sports program is on the rise once again. With the start of the first trap program in recent history here in Pulaski County the numbers for shooting sport participation is going up. In the first year the Pulaski County Clay Breakers exceed expectation, not only on the numbers of participants that come out for the team, but also the success of those kids and the overall involvement from the community. In the first year we exp
Author: Bethany Wilson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
4H horticulture and natural resources programming has been limited to in-school programs, community Earth Day events, and Extension day camps. During the 2018-19 year, the Pulaski Co 4H and Horticulture Agents teamed up to start two new youth special interest clubs. Local beekeepers have been a tremendous help in outreach programs in the past. The 4H Agent received a PRIDE grant to buy hives, equipment, and all protective gear for kids. The loca
