Improving Our Environment
Protecting and Conserving Natural Resources
Darrell Simpson
Community Engagement
Natural Resources
Integrated Pest Management
Agricultural Producers, citizens, and youth throughout the county have the same goal of protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. Based on survey results from the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Muhlenberg County Report for 2019, sixty three survey respondents selected less illegal dumping and littering as the top priority for the Agriculture and Environment issue.
Agricultural producers nonfarm clientele, and youth will utilize technologies and educational resources to help them reduce their inputs and lessen their impact on the environment. Clientele will learn the negative effects of littering and illegal dumps and will work to reduce those effects.
Clientele participate in educational programs and utilize information gained. Local citizens and farmers, and youth work to help reduce illegal dumping and littering.
Agricultural producers learn proper application and usage of pesticides.
Clientele learn about the negative effects of littering and illegal dumps.
Youth learn the importance of protecting and conserving their natural resources.
One to One visits, phone and or written surveys will be used following educational programs. This will be used throughout the four year plan of work.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Agricultural producers, county clientele, youth utilize at least one practice learned to protect the environment
Method: One To One visits, post program surveys
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: work to reduce overuse of pesticides. Youth in turn teach others how to protect the environment
Method: One to one visits and post program surveys will be utilized
Timeline: After programs and on an annual basis
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Agricultural Producers will utilize information and knowledge gained. Youth utilize gained knowledge and help conserve their environment by practicing what they have learned.
Method: One to one visits and post program surveys will be utilized
Timeline: Annually
Audience: Agricultural Producers
Project or Activity: Pesticide Applicator training meetings
Content or Curriculum: UK private applicator training materials
Inputs: ANR agent and Specialists time, office facilities
Date: January or February 2022-2023 and then annually throughout plan of work cycle
Audience: Local clientele
Project or Activity: Dispersal of anti dumping and littering information.
Content or Curriculum: Timely updates on anti illegal dumping and littering.
Inputs: Local clienteles time, ANR agents time, office facilities
Date: Annually
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Conserving your Natural Resources Activities embedded in various programs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum
Inputs: Teen and adult leaders
Date: Year Long
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Although ponds are utilized for a livestock water source, there are some that want ponds for watershed purposes or specifically for recreational purposes such as fishing or swimming. A local excavation contractor referred three clientele to this agent for technical assistance as it relates to soil type, watershed area, topography and site location of the pond. This agent worked with Natural Resource Conservation Service Soil; Scientist Jerry McIntosh to provide that information
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Community Engagement
The effects of natural disasters can be seen for many years and can cause problems for many years if corrective actions are not taken. Soon after the December 10, 2021 tornado, this agent worked with the Muhlenberg County Property Valuation Administrator to determine the extent of debris in the Pond River. The company that the Property Valuation Administration office utilizes to collect county aerial imagery had flown the county on December 12, 2021 thus allowing for up to date imagery. That ima