Bests Practices for living and working in the local environmentPlan of Work

Back to the Program

Boyle County CES

Title:
Bests Practices for living and working in the local environment
MAP:
Environmental Stewardship
Agents Involved:
A. Price, J. Little, A. Amorese
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Soils
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation:
*Land owners, environmentalists, and agriculturalists are seeking best practices to protect their natural resources and the local environment
*Detachment from rural and farm life has resulted in fading appreciation for the natural environment
*Expanding population is increasing pressures on local resources, including water, air and undeveloped land, through increased waste, traffic, and development
*Community members wish to encourage behaviors that will protect the local environment.
Long-Term Outcomes:
*Youth will be able to make lifestyle and career choices that will help to protect the environment.
*Families will improve their diets, beautify their surroundings, and add value to their properties through improved gardening and resource management decisions.
*An increase in the number of land owners that will make wise environmental choices.
*Maximize profits for commercial ag producers.
*Minimize environmental impact of pesticide use.
*Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems.
Intermediate Outcomes:
*Youth will use best practices in their gardens and homes.
*Youth will choose to recycle, reduce water use, conserve energy, and increase use of alternative forms of transportation.
*Adults will learn how to upcycle jewelry.
*Adults will learn about home decor making recycled art.
*Adults will learn how to "recycle" and repurpose clothing.
*Adults will learn how to clean chemical free.
*Help producers design effective spray schedules.
*Producers will adopt recommended application techniques.
*Teach the importance of recordkeeping with pesticides.
Initial Outcomes:
*Youth will learn best management practices for homes, yards and gardens.
*Youth will learn to locate and identify various types of rocks, plants and animals.
*Youth will learn to garden, compost and recycle.
*Youth will learn about bees and other insects and their roles in pollination and food production.
*Demonstrate proper use of sprayers and other application equipment.
*Teach producers to identify active ingredients in chemical products and their modes of action.
*Observe proper chemical handling and storage.


Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: Increase in number of youth reporting use of recycling; best management practices in homes, yards and gardens; water and energy conservation measures; walking, biking, or using public transportation; and enjoying recreational opportunities outdoors.
Indicator: Post-program evaluations, participation in education and experiential programs.
Method: Educational programs in classroom settings; environmental camps; gardening and environmental education projects and activities; walking and biking events and projects; camps and field trips into undeveloped, natural environments.
Timeline: During and immediately after programs; follow-up evaluation some months/years post participation.

Intermediate Outcome: Increase participation in the Farmers Market, gardening programs, rinse and return program and conservation cost share programs.
Indicator: One on one contacts, educational programs and follow-up evaluations.
Method: Educational programs (gardening, cost share programs and a Twilight Field Day
Timeline: During and immediately after programs: Follow up during the next several months.

Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator:
Method:
Timeline:

Long-term Outcome:
Indicator:
Method:
Timeline:
Learning Opportunities:
Audience:*Youth ages 6-18.
*Retired adults (Empty Nesters).
*College students.
*Families with children.
*Urban youth and families.
*Rural families.

Project or Activity:
*Green and Clean.
*Environmental science education in 4th grade 4-H clubs.
*Youth gardening and horticulture education programs and projects.
*Annual Rinse and Return Program (Fall).
*Environmental and Water Quality information/programs (All Year).
*Vegetable Production Field Day.
*Farmers Market Program.
*Home Vegetable Gardening Programs with limited pesticide use and organic options.
*Provide free soil testing (all year)
*Provide information at annual programs on no till, limited tillage, and the use of cover crops
*Work one on one with producers on land use plans
*Work one on one with producers on manure management
*Farmer's Market Program
*Home vegetable gardening programs with sustainable agriculture emphasis
*Growing season extension programs
*Integrated pest management programs
*Kentucky native plant education
Demonstrations/Research Trails
Pesticide Applicator Training

Content or Curriculum: Project Learning Tree; Project Wet; Project Wild; Project Food, Land, and People;
Inputs:
*Youth gardening projects and programs conducted with support of local businesses, schools, and human services agencies.
*Farmers Market.

Date: Throughout the year.


Activity: *Recyclable Arts Classes.
*Rain Barreling/How to Recycle.
*Green Cleaning.
*Go Green in Your Closet.
*Farmers Market Demo.
*Food Preservation.
*Going Green: Living an environmentally responsible life.
*Water Conservation.
*Household Waste Management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Content or Curriculum: Plate It Up, KEHA, Preservation Publications, Home Cleaning, Maintenance and Repair resources.
Date: Throughout the year.


Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:

Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:

Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:


Success Stories

Dead Animal Removal Program

Author: Jerry Little

Major Program: Farm Management

The ANR agent was contacted by the Boyle county soil conservation board that the company that was contracted to pick up deceased farm animals in the county was going out of business on January 31st. The soil conservation board had been paying the $50,000 a year contract for the last three years. The company had picked up an average of 1500 deceased animals per year over the last three years.It was a no cost program for farmers that was run very well by the company.  The ANR agent contacted

Full Story

Improving Sustainability

Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield

Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture

The extension office is one of the few places in all 120 counties of Kentucky, where residents can get unbiased, research-based answers to their questions. As the revolution of environmental consciousness grows around the state, the need for such answers grows with it. Specifically, in regard to chemical use in their gardens.  In Boyle County, the Horticulture Agent is responsible for helping meet those needs. By offering classes on a variety of subjects, inclu

Full Story

Boyle Beautification

Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield

Major Program: Commercial Horticulture - Landscape Ecosystems

Over the past several years the Boyle Co. Horticulture Agent has worked closely with the City of Danville Beautification Committee, Clarks Run Environmental Educational Cooperative (CREEC), the Danville Garden Club and the Boyle Co. Trails Alliance to help establish native, educational plantings around Boyle County.  Just within the past 2-3 years a pollinator bed has been established downtown, native plants were planted on a new trail along a stream, a large rain garden

Full Story
Back to the Program