Woodford County CES

Title:

Environmental Quality

MAP:

Agricultural and Environmental

Agents Involved:

Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Natural Resources

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Soil testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Pollinators

Situation:

With almost 97% of all Woodford County land involved in agricultural or residential uses, proper stewardship of natural and human resources is of vital importance. Woodford County’s western border also comprises 40 miles of Kentucky River frontage and about 40% of the entire Palisade region. This area is known to support very diverse plant and wildlife populations. With such a prominent and distinctive natural resource, environmental awareness for Woodford County residents is vital. County stakeholders have rated environmental stewardship and community awareness among their top concerns. Providing educational programs and services to increase environmental quality in Woodford County is needed to address these issues.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Measured improvement in water quality, habitat preservation, and improved soil health.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Clientele make informed management decisions for environmentally sensitive areas.

Initial Outcomes:

Clientele to be able to recognize and identify specific environmental issues within the county.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: For clientele to be able to recognize and identify specific environmental issues within the county.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Personal interviews

Timeline: Annually

Intermediate Outcome: Clientele make informed management decisions for environmentally sensitive areas.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Site Visits, Personal Consultation

Timeline: Annually

Long-term Outcome: Measured improvement in water quality, habitat preservation, and improved soil health.

Indicator: Reports and statistics

Method: Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, and state/local Soil Conservation District(s)

Timeline: As Available

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers/Landowners

Project or Activity: Educational Programs, Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Managing environmentally sensitive areas.

Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford County Beef Cattle Association, Farmer Cooperators

Date: Yearly

Audience: Homeowners/Landowners

Project or Activity: Soil Testing

Content or Curriculum: Proper soil testing/soil recommendations based on university research.

Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Regulatory Services, Woodford County Conservation District, CES Publications

Date: Yearly

Audience: Homeowners/Landowners

Project or Activity: Monarch Waystation Grant Program

Content or Curriculum: Native plants for pollinators, in-class session on proper planting, plant lists

Inputs: Agent Time, specialists time, Master Gardeners

Date: Yearly

Audience: Homeowners/Farmers

Project or Activity: Horticulture Educational Programs/Events/Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Environmentally sound horticultural practices for farms, home gardens, and landscapes.

Inputs: Agent Time, Specialist Time, CES publications

Date: January - December

Audience: General 

Project or Activity: Earth Day Tree Seedling Giveaway

Content or Curriculum: Extension information booth, tree species information and planting instructions

Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, Woodford County Conservation District, Fish and Wildlife Service, CES publications

Date: Yearly

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Stream Team

Content or Curriculum: Project WET, Kentucky River Water Watch, Stream Team

Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, Stream Team Materials, Volunteer Leader Time

Date: Monthly - Quarterly

Success Stories