Extension
It Starts With Us
Practicing stewardship in Natural Resources
Practicing stewardship in Natural Resources
Comer, Hamilton
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
Forestry Industry Education
Ag Water Quality Program
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’s 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 generate
Best-management practices by land-owners, farmers, residents, etc. are crucial toward good stewardship of our resources. Best management practices (BMPs), both structural or non-structural, can preserve our natural resources and prolong their benefits to all.
Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air.
Protect and improve water quality.
Youth will make decisions in their daily lives that positively impact natural resources.
Adopt conservation practices appropriate to farming operation.
Adopt appropriate manure handling practices
Maintain vegetative buffers along water bodies
Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Understand importance of clean water.
Recognize best management practices for soil conservation.
All farmers using Restricted-Use Pesticides will be formally trained and follow guidelines.
Initial Outcome: Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Indicator: Number of youth who can identify the natural resources in
their community.
Method: Observation/evaluation of youth participating in environmental/residential camps; project records completed;
Timeline: FY'2017-2020
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Indicator: Number of youth who can identify the natural resources in their
community. Method: Survey of youth at end of program;
Timeline: FY'2017-2020
Long-term Outcome: Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
Indicator: Number of youth who have gained an understanding of the ecosystems in nature.
Method: Survey of youth at end of program
Timeline: FY'2017-2020
Audience: 4th grade youth
Project or Activity: Overnight Environmental Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Natural Resources, 4-H Entomology, 4-H Forestry, Water Awareness publications, etc.
Inputs: Extension Staff time, funding, support; Support staff support; partnering organizations & agencies; camp staff support;
Date: annually in October
Audience: 6th grade youth
Project or Activity: Rock Identification program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Geology
Inputs: Extension Staff time, funding, support; Geology kits
Date: November-April annually
Audience: Elementary/Middle school youth
Project or Activity: Our Natural Resources
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Exploring Your Environment
Inputs:Extension Staff time, funding, support; Geology kits
Date: September-May annually
Audience: Montgomery County farmers
Project or Activity: Restricted-Use Pesticide Training
Content or Curriculum: State pesticide curriculum
Inputs: State staff, County Agent
Date: January-February, annually
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Taking top honors at a state-level 4-H contest might seem like an impossible goal for a team competing for the first time at that particular event. But with proper guidance and direction from an experienced 4-H volunteer, a team can reach and do the impossible. The 4-H Land Judging Senior team won top honors at the contest held during the Kentucky State Fair. The team was coached by Jeff Arnett, a 4-H volunteer and a former land judging contestant. According to him, “You
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
The Montgomery County 4-H Shooting Sports program has aimed high and hit the target. Over the last ten years, the program has grown in number and interest beginning with a handful of youth shooting trap or archery increasing, this year to 38 youth competing in the state contest. In fact, this year, the senior archery team placed first in state in compound bare bow competition. Three other youth placed in the top 3 individual competition in archery and trap. But championships an
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
Summer isn’t summer without 4-H Camp: The Sequel. True in 2017 for Montgomery County campers, repeated and surpassed in 2018. Camp enrollment reached another all-time high of 119, an increase of 14% over 2017. Spaces were filled for both sides of camp (boys and girls) within two days of the registration window opening March 1st. And once again, those numbers tell the impact that camp provides through its structured, extracurricular activities where youth are engaged with friends
