Extension
It Starts With Us
Environmental Education
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Lacey Kessell
Agriculture
Natural Resources
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Author: Lacey Kessell
Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
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
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
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
