Woodford County CES

Title:

Environmental Quality

MAP:

Agricultural and Environmental Quality

Agents Involved:

Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Environmental Sustainability & Responsibility

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Ag Water Quality Program

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Urban Environments (water issues)

Situation:

Woodford County’s western border is comprised of 40 miles of Kentucky River frontage and about 40% of the entire Palisade region. This area is known to support very diverse plant and wildlife populations. With such a prominent and distinctive natural resource, environmental awareness for Woodford County residents is vital. County stakeholders have rated environmental stewardship and community awareness among their top concerns. Providing educational programs and services to increase environmental quality in Woodford County is needed to address these issues.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Measured improvement in water quality, habitat preservation, and improved soil health.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Clientele make informed management decisions for environmentally sensitive areas.

Initial Outcomes:

Clientele to be able to recognize and identify specific environmental issues within the county.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: For clientele to be able to recognize and identify specific environmental issues within the county.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Personal interviews

Timeline: Annually

Intermediate Outcome: Clientele make informed management decisions for environmentally sensitive areas.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Site Visits, Personal Consultation

Timeline: Annually

Long-term Outcome: Measured improvement in water quality, habitat preservation, and improved soil health.

Indicator: Reports and statistics

Method: Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, and state/local Soil Conservation District(s)

Timeline: As Available

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Classroom Club Program

Content or Curriculum:4-H Natural Resources

Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Woodford County Schools

Date: September - March

Audience: Farmers/Landowners

Project or Activity: Educational Programs, Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Managing environmentally sensitive areas.

Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford County Beef Cattle Association, Farmer Cooperators

Date: Yearly

Audience: Homeowners/Landowners

Project or Activity: Soil Testing

Content or Curriculum: Proper soil testing/soil recommendations based on university research.

Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Regulatory Services, Woodford County Conservation District, CES Publications

Date: Yearly

Audience: Homeowners/Landowners

Project or Activity: Naturalist May Day

Content or Curriculum: Native and invasive plant species identification and management, protecting environmentally sensitive areas

Inputs: Agent Time, Fish and Wildlife Service, Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary

Date: Yearly

Audience: General 

Project or Activity: Earth Day Tree Seedling Giveaway

Content or Curriculum: Extension information booth, tree species information and planting instructions

Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, Woodford County Conservation District, Fish and Wildlife Service, CES publications

Date: Yearly

Audience: Homeowners/Landowners

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Training

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum

Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, CES Publications

Date: Every other year

Success Stories