Natural Resource Conservation
Local Foods and Sustainable Agriculture
Taylor Miles, Judy Vaughn, Emma Day
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Natural Resources
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Multiple program councils within Estill County agreed that the conservation of local resources such as the Daniel Boone National Forest, Privet Woodlands, Kentucky River, Red River, and green energies is a high priority. Forest lands account for 67%, Farmlands for 30% and waterways for 1% of Estill County. Given the fact that 98% of the county is covered in natural resources and the strategic location of Estill County's waterways to the state of kentucky. The preservation of these resources is critical.
Estill County residents will develop a long term plan to manage the use and conservation of natural resources including, Forestry, farmland, water, and energy.
Estill County residents will gain the desire through increased education to manage resources in in an effort to preserve them.
Increase knowledge and technical skills needed to manages resources.
Initial Outcome: Increase knowledge and technical skills needed to manages resources.
Indicator: Increased knowledge
Method: Survey
Timeline: All year
Intermediate Outcome: Estill County residents will gain the desire through increased education to manage resources in in an effort to preserve them.
Indicator: The increased awareness of management practices
Method: Survey
Timeline: Spring 2022
Long-term Outcome: Estill County residents will develop a long term plan to manage the use and conservation of natural resources including, Forestry, farmland, water, and energy.
Indicator: Adoption of conservation plan
Method: systems change
Timeline: Fall 2024
Audience: Farmers, gardeners, homeowners, Youth
Project or Activity: Landscape management
Content or Curriculum: Education
Inputs: Backyard gardeners, youth, homeowners
Date: Spring
Audience: Farmers and concerned citizens
Project or Activity: Soil and Water Conservation
Content or Curriculum: Education
Inputs: Conservation District, Bluegrass PRIDE, UK specialist, AG agencies, UK agents
Date: Spring
Audience: Adult, Farmers
Project or Activity: Pesticide Applicator Training
Content or Curriculum: Education
Inputs: uk Agent, UK Specialists
Date: Winter
Audience: UK Agents, Sports Turf managers, Lawn Care Proessionals, Pesticide Dealers, Golf Course Employees, School District Maintenance Staff
Project or Activity: Turf Professionals Seminar/Trainings
Content or Curriculum: Education/ CED's
Inputs: UK Specialists, UK Agent, NRCS Conservationist, KDA Inspector
Date: Fall
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Natural Resources Programming
Content or Curriculum: Project WET, WILD, WILD Aquatic, Learning Tree, Eco-Wonders Book Series and others
Inputs: UK Agents, Uk Specialists, 4-H Curriculum
Date: Year-Round
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Environmental Camps
Content or Curriculum: Education
Inputs: UK Agents, UK Specialists, others
Date: Fall/Spring
Audience: Adult, youth
Project or Activity: Energy conservation and awareness
Content or Curriculum: Education
Inputs: UK Agents, UK Specialists, Electric Co-ops
Date: Year-round
Audience: youth
Project or Activity: National Youth Science Day Experiment
Content or Curriculum: SET
Inputs: UK Agents, UK Specialists, 4-H Curriculum
Date: Spring
Audience: Adults, Woodland Owners
Project or Activity: Forest Management
Content or Curriculum: Education
Inputs: UK Agents, UK Specialists
Date: Year-round
Author: Taylor Miles
Major Program: Natural Resources
Creating opportunities for young people to interact with the natural world in innovative and educational ways sets Kentucky 4-H apart as an organization dedicated to fostering positive youth development. It is crucial to introduce young minds to unfamiliar environments and species to expand their horizons. Additionally, any opportunity for developing life skills or soft skills among young audiences allows 4-H to contribute to shaping the next generation of responsible citizens.With these objecti