Boone County CES

Title:

Environmental awareness and improvements

MAP:

Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness

Agents Involved:

Rex McBride, David Koester, Gina Ligon

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Environmental Sustainability & Responsibility

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Backyard Streams

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Urban Environments (water issues)

Situation:

Census shows that Boone County is now considered over 50% urban. With this number growing yearly more and more of our community members have less contact with the natural environment. More of our landscape is being converted into manicured lawn. Homeowners have shown interest in keeping/creating habitat for wildlife in both lawn and large acreage areas.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Habitat improvement practices will increase the biodiversity of native flora and fauna within communities, promoting further positive environmental change.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Participants will implement habitat improvements on their properties.

Initial Outcomes:

Participants will learn habitat management and improvement methods for landscaping in their lawns.
Participants will learn ways to improve and conserve natural growing areas such as woodlots and former farmlands.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will learn ways to improve and conserve natural growing areas such as woodlots and former farmlands.
Indicator: improved knowledge of woodlot management for various uses
Method: survey
Timeline: fall

Intermediate Outcome: Participants will implement habitat improvements on their properties.
Indicator: number of improvements made
Method: post-survey
Timeline: as program opportunities occur

Long-term Outcome: Habitat improvement practices will increase the biodiversity of native flora and fauna within communities, promoting further positive environmental change.
Indicator: landowners improving habitats
Method: landowner initiated assessment by wildlife and forestry specialists
Timeline: yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Homeowners

Project or Activity: Bluebird Nesting Boxes

Content or Curriculum: UK Bluebird publication, ND extension nesting box plans

Inputs: staff, volunteers

Date: February

Audience: Boone County Home and Landowners

Project or Activity: Wildlife exploration

Content or Curriculum: amphibians, pond and stream ecosystems, reptiles, birds

Inputs: Agents, volunteers, field technicians.

Date: spring/summer

Success Stories