McCracken County CES

Title:

Adopting Practices to Conserve and Protect the Environment

MAP:

Healthy Environment

Agents Involved:

Wilson, Wooley, Wimberley, Tashjian, Buckman, Baysinger

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Ag Water Quality Program

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Home & Consumer Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Promoting Healthy Homes and Communities (general)

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum

Situation:

People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air that we breathe, to the water that we drink, to the soil that we use for food production- these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it is important that we care for and respect these resources.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adults and youth engage in community projects related to natural resources conservation.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adults and youth adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment in their home and community.

Initial Outcomes:

Persons increase knowledge of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality.
A knowledge gain of the interrelationship and interdependencies within an ecosystem.
Recognize best management practices for soil conservation.
Understand the importance of clean water.
Develop an interest in environmental sciences and sustainable practices and technologies.
Change understanding in issues related to KOSA in the following: Going Green, Energy Conservation and Food and Home Safety
Individuals with private and commercial applicators’ licenses experience pesticide trainings.

Evaluation:

Long-term Outcome: Adults and youth engage in community projects related to natural resources conservation.
Indicator: Increase in community projects related to conservation and natural resources
Method: UK-provided evaluation tools; evaluations specific to programming
Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Adults and youth adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment in their home and community.
Indicator: Adults attend community projects related to conservation and natural resources.
Method: UK-provided evaluation tools; evaluations specific to programming
Timeline: Year-round

Initial Outcome: Persons increase knowledge of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality.
A knowledge gain of the interrelationship and interdependencies within an ecosystem.
Recognize best management practices for soil conservation.
Understand the importance of clean water.
Develop an interest in environmental sciences and sustainable practices and technologies.
Change understanding in issues related to KOSA in the following: Going Green, Energy Conservation and Food and Home Safety
Individuals with private and commercial applicators’ licenses experience pesticide trainings.

Indicator: Adults learn about the CES programs which are offered on conserving natural resources.
Method: UK-provided evaluation tools; evaluations specific to programming
Timeline: July to June, yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Green Cleaning, Recipes for "Heal thy Home" Cards
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU publications
Inputs: Agents' time and UK/KSU Publications
Date: Spring

Audience: Farmers/Ranchers
Project or Activity: Educational program
Content or Curriculum: Focus on how to read your soil test and formulate the correct fertilizer applications. Identify best management practices for nutrient management
Inputs: Specialists, publications
Date: Fall & spring

Audience: Homeowner/general public
Project or Activity: Educational Program
Content or Curriculum Introduction to stormwater, soil testing and urban nutrient management, growing green through the seasons, reducing input to lawns, backyard streams.
Inputs: extension specialists, extension associates, MS4 permit coordinators, presentations, extension publications
Date: Late winter/early spring

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Shooting Sports and other natural-resources clubs and activities
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Natural Resource Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, volunteers and specialists
Date: Ongoing

Success Stories