Pulaski County CES

Title:

Natural Resources Awareness- NEW

MAP:

Sustainable Farms and Home Landscapes

Agents Involved:

Cole

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Natural Resources

Situation:

Today’s youth spend less time outdoors than previous generations (Clemonts, 2004; Karsten, 2005; Carver et al., 2008) and are likely able to identify a Pokémon character more easily than a native plant or animal (Balmford et al., 2002). Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducts a survey to assess Kentuckian’s environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. According to KEEC’s 2015-2020 Environmental Education Master Plan (2015), “…the average Kentuckian is able to answer correctly slightly more than half of the environmental knowledge questions included on the survey. This result leaves ample room for improvement” (p 27). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. The KEEC (2018) defines environmental literacy as “…the ability to recognize the components of healthy natural and man-made systems and the actions necessary to maintain, restore, or improve them” (p. 4) and states that environmental education is a pathway to environmental literacy (KEEC, 2018). Kentucky Statute (KRS 157.905) defines environmental education as “…an education process dealing with the interrelationships among the natural world and its man-made surroundings; is experience-based; interdisciplinary in its approach; and is a continuous life-long process that provides the citizenry with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to individually and collectively encourage positive actions for achieving and maintaining a sustainable balance between man and the environment” (Kentucky Legislative Research Committee, 2020, p.1). Kentucky 4-H provides environmental education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation for natural resources and environmental sciences. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of environmental science, entomology, forestry and wood science, geology, soils, water, wildlife, and shooting sports.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Youth will be environmentally literate.
• Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration.
• Youth will be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Youth will explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life.
• Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect natural resources.
• Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations.

Initial Outcomes:

• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content.
• Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship.
• Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content.

Indicator: youth will participate in environmental science and natural resources projects

Method: Common measures evaluation, observation, # of projects entered into fair

Timeline: year round,

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources in clubs, and life situations. Youth will explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life.

Indicator: youth will participate in shooting sports

Method: common measures evaluation, observation

Timeline: May- Sept.

Long-term Outcome: Youth will be environmentally literate.

Indicator: More youth will be involved in NR programs at the county, district and state level

Method: common measures, observations

Timeline: year round

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth 9-19

Project or Activity: Shooting Sports

Content or Curriculum: Archery and Trap

Inputs: certified coaches

Date: May-Sept

Audience: 9-18

Project or Activity: 4-H entomology

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Teaming with Insects Levels 1, 2, 3, and Facilitator’s Guide; 4-H Entomology State Fair Resources;

Inputs: agent training, master gardeners, 4-H volunteers

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Success Stories