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.

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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.


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Success Stories