Extension
It Starts With Us
Environmental Education
Environmental Education
Rebecca Konopka, Rebecca Hayes
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Agriculture
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Integrated Pest Management
Forests cover 48% of Kentucky and are mostly privately owned. These forests provide numerous environmental benefits such as improved air, water, and wildlife habitat. Our forests also contribute significantly to our economy with a Kentucky forest industry who employs approximately 60,000 and contributes more than $13 billion annually to the Kentucky economy. Kentucky’s forests can be healthier and more productive by implementing sustainable forest management and utilization practices.
People, animals, and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it is important that we care for and respect these resources. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generations.
Youth and clientele need to learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, engineering, and technology issues in Kentucky and globally. Through the Land Grant University and Extension system, 4-H can expand its impact and extend its reach in science, engineering, and technology (4-H SET) by providing opportunities for hands-on scientific learning and discovery in 4-H clubs
Youth will choose a career path in science, engineering or technology subject matter. Youth will utilize the scientific method in decision in making. Youth will use scientific techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that will solve problems in their community and positively sustain the natural resources in the home, community and world. Participants will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Sustainable Kentucky agriculture will minimize environmental impact.
Kentucky’s trees and forests are better protected and managed.
Kentuckians have an enhanced ability to address a variety of forest health, management and utilization related issues, resulting in: increased revenue, increased forest productivity, improved water quality and improved forest health.
Youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology. Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in science, engineering and technology with others. Youth will practice scientific methods learned from 4-H. Teens will mentor younger 4-H’ers in science, engineering and technology. Youth will use problem solving and logical reasoning skills and apply them to environmental issues.
Forest health, management and utilization activities/practices that support sustainable forests are implemented.
Individuals make more informed decisions regarding managing and utilizing forest resources.
Individuals complete Ky Pesticide Applicators Training resulting in:
Use personal protection equipment
Updated spray program
Adapt for good practices in chemical handling, storage and/or disposal
Evaluate weather conditions before applying chemicals
Alter existing spray program to reduce likelihood of resistance development or non-target impacts
Individuals implement best practices to:
• improve soil health
• conserve soil and/or water
• increase soil organic matter
• improve soil structure for water infiltration or retention
• increase ground cover for soil protection
• improve water quality
• protect stream banks or stream buffers
• plant native plants
Youth will increase interest and engagement in natural resources, science, engineering, and technology.
Youth will learn new skills in natural resources, science, engineering, and technology.
Youth will be introduced to careers in SET and natural resources.
Youth will develop an interest in environmental science and sustainable practices and technologies.
Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Individuals will have a change in awareness and understanding of:
• Environmental, social, and economic importance of trees
• Threats facing forests and their utilization
• Forest health, management and utilization practices
Integrated Pest Management practices
Chemical safety and storage
Water quality
Initial Outcome: Youth will increase interest and engagement in natural resources, science, engineering, and technology.
Indicator: Participation increases in 4-H SET and natural resource programming.
Method: LEGO Wizards, Win With Wood, Forestry Field Days, NRESci Academy, etc.
Timeline: Ongoing
Initial Outcome: Participants learn proper pesticide usage
Indicator: Successful completion of the Private Applicator Training
Method: Private Application Trainings
Timeline: Spring
Initial Outcome: Youth will learn new skills in natural resources.
Indicator: 4th grade students complete leaf collections.
Method: School Enrichment; 4-H Leaf Collection Project
Timeline: August - October
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H science, engineering, and technology.
Indicator: 4-H members successfully compete in the FIRST LEGO League and robotic competitions.
Method: 4-H LEGO Wizards Club
Timeline: July-December
Long-term Outcome: Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Indicator: 4-H members complete community service projects
Method: Natural Resources & Environmental Science (NRESci) Academy
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: Middle & High School Students
Project or Activity: 4-H NRESci Academy
Content or Curriculum: 4-H & UK Curriculum
Inputs: Staff, Industry Professionals, Specialists
Date: September – July
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Forestry Field Days, Win With Wood
Content or Curriculum: UK Forestry materials
Inputs: Staff, volunteers, specialists
Date: September – October
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: 4-H LEGO Wizards Club
Content or Curriculum: FLL, 4-H Robotics Curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, grants, staff
Date: July – December
Audience: 4th & 5th grade classrooms
Project or Activity: Exploring Your Environment Science Days & Project WET History Days
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Exploring Your Environment, Electricity, Entomology, Aerospace, Project WET
Inputs: teachers, staff
Date: January – April
Audience: Elementary Classrooms
Project or Activity: Butterfly Life Cycles
Content or Curriculum: Butterfly WINGS
Inputs: teachers, staff
Date: April – May
Audience:4th Grade Classrooms
Project or Activity:4-H Leaf Collections
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Forestry
Inputs: teachers, staff
Date: August - October
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Applicator’s Certification
Content or Curriculum: Private Pesticide Applicator’s Certification
Inputs: Training Guides & Videos
Date: Spring
Audience: Farmers & Landowners
Project or Activity: Newsletters, Farm Visits, Social Media, Field Days, Meetings
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: UK Specialists, Agents, NRCS, Division of Forestry
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Little Sandy Beekeepers Association
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: Specialists, KDA
Date: Ongoing
