Extension
It Starts With Us
Natural Resources Awareness- NEW
Sustainable Farms and Home Landscapes
Cole, Adkins, Wilson, Spurgeon
Natural Resources
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Beekeeping
Soil testing
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.
Th Pulaski County livestock industry is heavily concentrated by cattle and calve operations which generates 85% of all animals sales while crop production is dominated by soybean at 33% and corn at 34% of all crops sales (CEDIK, 2015). To support these commodity groups attention to, livestock, forage, and grain systems is important to ensure ideal outcomes for producers.
In addition to production agricultural, focus on small business management is critical for the success of farmers. According to the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (2008) it is projected that by 2028 70% of all U.S. farmland will change hands. Of further concern, according to the the USDA Census of Agriculture for decades the average age of farmers has steadily increased and the 2012 census indicated that 57.6 is the average age of principle farm operators in Kentucky. It is crucial for farms and small family businesses to be exposed to succession planning in order to prevent loss of businesses and farming operations within Pulaski County.
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Pulaski County is considered a rural county but many of its residents and children are not from a rural environment. Pulaski County has approximately 1700 farmers but our population is 63,000 (2010) and is projected to grow to 71,000 by 2020. Many will move here to retire while others will come for job opportunities. Pulaski County has many natural resources: Lake Cumberland, many acres of forested land, vast wildlife and managed livestock, and good soils.
Today's youth and adults must learn to responsibly enjoy and conserve the natural resources that Pulaski County is fortunate to have. As the county grows, many of our natural resources may be destroyed or threatened. Extension has a responsibility to educate our residents about these potential threats and the importance of conserving what we have.
Data from the last 20 years shows that more than 70% of Pulaski Co Home & Garden soil samples are in the adequate to high range for phosphorous. Overabundance of phosphorous is bad for our water systems and is wasteful.
Pulaski County is considered a rural county but many of its residents and children are not from a rural environment. Pulaski County has approximately 1700 farmers but our population is 63,000 (2010) and is projected to grow to 71,000 by 2020. Many will move here to retire while others will come for job opportunities. Pulaski County has many natural resources: Lake Cumberland, many acres of forested land, vast wildlife and managed livestock, and good soils.
Today's youth and adults must learn to responsibly enjoy and conserve the natural resources that Pulaski County is fortunate to have. As the county grows, many of our natural resources may be destroyed or threatened. Extension has a responsibility to educate our residents about these potential threats and the importance of conserving what we have.
Data from the last 20 years shows that more than 70% of Pulaski Co Home & Garden soil samples are in the adequate to high range for phosphorous. Overabundance of phosphorous is bad for our water systems and is wasteful.
Beekeeping has grown in Pulaski County. The association has doubled its membership over the last few years. The Beginning Bee Schools have been hugely successful, increasing our base number of beekeepers by 30-40 over the last few years. Therefore, honey bee and pollinator health is of great importance in this county.
- 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.
- Improved sustainability of forage-based livestock systems.
- Use of better varieties of forage crops.
- Maximize profits for grain producers.
- Improved genetic quality and end product for enhanced consumer confidence in the industry.
- Assess family/financial situation, determine tools available for management, potential income, and transferring assets.
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Adults and youth will maintain or improve the natural resources on their properties. Lake Cumberland will remain a clean water source. Soils will be conserved on the farm and at home. Managed livestock and unmanaged wildlife will survive and thrive. The number of beekeepers will increase or remain steady.
Adults and youth will maintain or improve the natural resources on their properties. Lake Cumberland will remain a clean water source. Soils will be conserved on the farm and at home. Managed livestock and unmanaged wildlife will survive and thrive. The number of beekeepers will increase or remain steady.
- 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.
- Develop a grazing plan for each operation.
- Implement on farm trials of grain crops.
- Improvement of weed management.
- Use proper handling techniques for livestock.
- Gain awareness of resources for farm succession planning.
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Adults and youth will mentor others in keeping bees and become involved in the local beekeepers association.
Home gardeners will take soil samples of their properties and follow UK recommendations for fertility for their home landscapes.
Adults and youth will plant pollinator-friendly gardens.Adults and youth will mentor others in keeping bees and become involved in the local beekeepers association.
Home gardeners will take soil samples of their properties and follow UK recommendations for fertility for their home landscapes.
Adults and youth will plant pollinator-friendly gardens.
- 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.
- Gain awareness of forage variety trial information.
- Recognize need for succession planning
- Identify herbicide resistant pests in grain crops.
Adults and youth will become beekeepers.
Home gardeners will learn about soil testing.
Adults and youth will learn the importance of conserving wildlife (native pollinators), bees, and which plants support them at their homes or schools.
Adults and youth become more proficient at the production of livestock.
Adults and youth will become beekeepers.
Home gardeners will learn about soil testing.
Adults and youth will learn the importance of conserving wildlife (native pollinators), bees, and which plants support them at their homes or schools.
Adults and youth become more proficient at the production of livestock.
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
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
Date:
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
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Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Pulaski County Cattleman's Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals
Date: Summer, Fall, Spring
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: BQA Trainings
Content or Curriculum: BQA Materials
Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals
Date: Quarterly
Audience: Forage Producers
Project or Activity: Production Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals
Date: Summer, Fall, Spring
Audience: All Producers, Small Family Businesses
Project or Activity: Production Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Inputs: Farm Credit, Industry Professionals
Date: Winter
Audience:4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals
Date: Quarterly
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: CAIP Training
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals
Date: Fall
Audience: Adults and youth interested in beekeeping
Project or Activity: Beginner Beekeeping School
Content or Curriculum: Notebook containing various UK and other university publications
Inputs: KY bee specialists, local beekeepers
Date: Winter 2021-22
Audience: Home gardeners and youth
Project or Activity: various toolbox classes, youth career days, community events
Content or Curriculum: powerpoints, displays, UK publications
Inputs: Master Gardeners, UK specialists, Hort Agents, UK publications, other professionals
Date: throughout year 2021-22
Audience: Beekeepers or other interested adults
Project or Activity: various activities in the hive at the Extension office
Content or Curriculum: various, will use local knowledge, topics such as requeening, splitting the hive, combining hives, honey extraction, etc(as needed)
Inputs: experienced beekeepers, hives, all equipment pertaining to beekeeping
Date: throughout year
Audience: Home gardeners
Project or Activity: Rain Garden workshop
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: UK specialists, local greenhouse
Date: spring 2022
Audience: Adults and youth interested in beekeeping
Project or Activity: Beginner Beekeeping School
Content or Curriculum: Notebook containing various UK and other university publications
Inputs: KY bee specialists, local beekeepers
Date: Winter 2021-22
Audience: Home gardeners and youth
Project or Activity: various toolbox classes, youth career days, community events
Content or Curriculum: powerpoints, displays, UK publications
Inputs: Master Gardeners, UK specialists, Hort Agents, UK publications, other professionals
Date: throughout year 2021-22
Author: Bethany Wilson
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Tree Week is the brainchild of UK’s Urban Forest Initiative and has been in Lexington and a few other satellite locations for 5 years. Not only is the week about planting trees and overall learning more about trees, but it’s also an impetus to get people outside in nature. Pulaski County participated in 2021 but in a very limited way. The Pulaski County Horticulture Agent organized a committee in June 2022 to plan and organize events for Tree Week 2022 (October 8-16)
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Agriculture
Healthy living is one of three 4-H mission mandates and encompasses: physical activity, personal safety, mental health, addiction prevention, and diversity and inclusion. In September 2022, Pulaski County Extension Agents: Jennifer Cole, Erica Spurgeon & TJ Adkins collaborated together to host a Progressive Ag and 4-H Safety Day for nearly 675 Pulaski County 8th graders at the Hal Rogers Fire Training Center. Students from Northern and Southern Middle Schools attended and Scienc
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Forages
Forages are the base for most cattle operations in the Lake Cumberland area. Forages are the most economical way for most beef farmers to put pounds on calves and increase production on their farming operation. With the production of forages comes many challenges as well, in the form of weather, fertilizer prices, weeds, and proper establishment and maintenance of forages.During the winter of 2023, Russell, Casey, Pulaski, and McCreary counties held a 4 part forage series that was ai
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
One of the task that was ask by the producers of Pulaski county of the new Agriculture and Natural Resources agent was to start running articles in the local paper like the horticulture and FCS agent does.To honor this request we started a weekly newspaper article that runs in the Sunday paper, and online at the commonwealth journals website and the ANR page of the extension website. These articles try to reach a wide variety of topics, while also hitting topic that are related at the time
