Environmental EducationPlan of Work

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Boone County CES

Title:
Environmental Education
MAP:
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Agents Involved:
Lacey Kessell
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Agriculture
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Natural Resources
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Situation:

Approximately half of Boone County has become urbanized or "suburanized" with development expected to continue at high levels for many years.  With less rural environments in the area, more community members want to utilize safe green spaces.  Development also has caused many concerns for water quality and loss of trees/forests in the area.  As the population in Boone County continues to grow, and urban areas become more prominent our community has fewer opportunities to explore our natural environment. The community (via the Community Assessment), as well as Boone County School systems have identified a need for hands-on experiences that make connections to our natural resources and the State Education Core Standards (for schools). 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Environmental Sciences scores will increase in Boone County Schools during State Core Standard Testing.

Environmentally friendly practices will be adopted within schools and our communities, preserving our natural resources.

An increase in schools and the community utilizing local green spaces and natural areas for learning and well-being.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Community members will choose to become more environmentally friendly by recycling more, polluting less, planting more native plants and decreasing negative impact on our environment.


More community members are utilizing the environment and teachers are using environmentally focused curricula in their classrooms.

Initial Outcomes:

The community and the youth within it, will better understand ecosystems and our relationship and impact on natural systems.  Program engagement will increase community appreciation for their environmental and strive to decrease negative impacts.


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth will understand ecosystems and our relationship and impact on natural systems.

Indicator: Participants can correctly answer assessment questions after programming

Method: pre/post assessment

Timeline: as programming occurs



Intermediate Outcome:

More educators are utilizing the environment and environmentally focused curricula to teach their students and the community.  Participant engagement for environmentally friendly programs will increase.

Indicator: More participants in Environmental related programs/volunteer activities

Method: Registrations

Timeline: yearly


Long-term Outcome: The community will utilize local natural spaces to promote learning.

Indicator: Extension program participants will have/utilize natural resources, utilize wildlife habitat practices, and promote environmentally safe practices.

Method: Verbal/written surveys

Timeline: On-going


Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 3rd-4th Grade students

Project or Activity: Spring Environmental Camp

Content or Curriculum: state supported

Inputs: staff, curriculum, volunteers, etc.

Date: March-May


Audience: 4th-5th Grade Students

Project or Activity: Overnight Environmental Camp

Content or Curriculum: state supported

Inputs: staff, curriculum, volunteers, outside resources, etc.

Date: September-October


Audience: 4-H Members

Project or Activity: 4-H Summer Projects

Content or Curriculum: State 4-H fair exhibits

Inputs: Agents, Nature Center

Date: Summer


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Wildlife Habitat Improvement/Management Assistance

Content or Curriculum: Planting native to attract wildlife, wildlife management, pollinators

Inputs: County staff

Date: Throughout the year


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Water Ecology/Improvement 

Content or Curriculum: Stream management, aquatic wildlife, water ecology

Inputs: County staff

Date: Throughout the year




Success Stories

Stream Team - Algae

Author: Lacey Kessell

Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

Stream Team - Algae

Boone County Cooperative Extension partners with Boone County Conservation, Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University to provide a unique experience for youth ages, 11-16, to learn about the ecological importance of algae in water ecosystems as well as the negative impacts of having too much algae.  This program is one lesson from a series of monthly meetings of the Stream Team.  The Stream Teams overall goal is to create water quality stewards in

Full Story

Survival Training Helps Build Confidence to Explore the Outdoors

Author: Lacey Kessell

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a host of challenges across the world.  With country-wide and state-wide shut downs led to a decrease in the workforce which led to many individuals and families unexpectedly being home and unsure about future income.  This increase of time off and not a lot of money come in led people to do activities outside, such as camping, hiking, etc.  National and State Parks such as the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, Daniel Boone National Forest, Red

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Maple Tapping into Environmental Sustainability

Author: Lacey Kessell

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Forest conversation is recognized as one of the most serious threats to Kentucky forests.  Nearly 48% of Kentucky is covered by woodlands and 88% of those are owned by private landowners.  Kentucky forests provide significant community benefits in ecological services such as clean water, wildlife, aesthetic beauty and recreational activities, free of charge.  In an effort to decrease the demand to clear out woodlands for traditional farming practices, it is vital for woodland mana

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