Practicing stewardship in Natural Resources
Practicing stewardship in Natural Resources
Comer & Hamilton
4-H Health Core Curriculum
Forestry Industry Education
Ag Water Quality Program
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 generate
Best-management practices by land-owners, farmers, residents, etc. are crucial toward good stewardship of our resources. Best management practices (BMPs), both structural or non-structural, can preserve our natural resources and prolong their benefits to all.
Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air.
Protect and improve water quality.
Youth will make decisions in their daily lives that positively impact natural resources.
Adopt conservation practices appropriate to farming operation.
Adopt appropriate manure handling practices
Maintain vegetative buffers along water bodies
Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Understand importance of clean water.
Recognize best management practices for soil conservation.
All farmers using Restricted-Use Pesticides will be formally trained and follow guidelines.
Initial Outcome: Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Indicator: Number of youth who can identify the natural resources in
their community.
Method: Observation/evaluation of youth participating in environmental/residential camps; project records completed;
Timeline: FY'2017-2020
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Indicator: Number of youth who can identify the natural resources in their
community. Method: Survey of youth at end of program;
Timeline: FY'2017-2020
Long-term Outcome: Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Indicator: Number of youth who have gained an understanding of the ecosystems in nature.
Method: Survey of youth at end of program
Timeline: FY'2017-2020
Audience: 4th grade youth
Project or Activity: Overnight Environmental Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Natural Resources, 4-H Entomology, 4-H Forestry, Water Awareness publications, etc.
Inputs: Extension Staff time, funding, support; Support staff support; partnering organizations & agencies; camp staff support;
Date: annually in October
Audience: Elementary/Middle school youth
Project or Activity: Our Natural Resources
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Exploring Your Environment
Inputs:Extension Staff time, funding, support; Geology kits
Date: September-May annually
Audience: Montgomery County farmers
Project or Activity: Restricted-Use Pesticide Training
Content or Curriculum: State pesticide curriculum
Inputs: State staff, County Agent
Date: January-February, annually