Green County CES

Title:

Protecting Green County's Environment

MAP:

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Ricky Arnett

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Soil testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Chemical Management

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

The Green River’s bio-reserve has been named the third most diverse system in the United States. Several different acres of land that surround both the Green River and its tributaries has been listed by the United States Department of Agriculture as a high priority for conservation, with much of this being housed in Green County. The Green County Extension Council has stated that protecting the environment should be a top priority. The youth advisory council has requested more training in utilizing technology in making environmental decisions. Both adults and youth need to be educated to help protect Green County’s valuable land and water resources from erosion, pollution, and contamination.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Agriculture producers, youth, and local citizens will practice, sound and safe environmental practices to help protect the natural resources and the environment. Producers will also utilize government programs to maximize economic benefit for their operations.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Homeowners and local businesses will practice appropriate waste disposal and recycling. Producers will utilize the newest technologies in no-till production to reduce the amount of erosion in fields. Citizens will also understand the advantages of grass waterways, creating buffer zones, and rotating both pastures with livestock and crops with grain production. Youth will move from an isolationist view to a wider approach where their choices impact their community and those beyond through project involvement.

Initial Outcomes:

Individuals of the community will understand the impact poor decisions can have on the environment and its sustainability. People will understand the benefits of erosion control. Youth will how various sectors of the 4-H natural resource projects are connected like Forestry, Geology, Entomology, etc.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increase of Environmental Education

Indicator: Program Participation

Method: Survey & Analysis

Timeline: Annually

Intermediate Outcome: Increasing Environmental Practices

Indicator: Participation in NRCS Programs

Method: Survey & Analysis

Timeline: Annually

Long-term Outcome: More Stable Environment in Our Rivers and Streams

Indicator: Participation in NRCS Programs

Method: Survey & Analysis

Timeline: Annually 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Dairy Producers

Project or Activity: Center of KY Dairy Short Course

Content or Curriculum: Environmental Stewardship

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, UK Publications

Date: Winter 2023/24

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Certification

Content or Curriculum: KY Pesticide Safety Training Program

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, UK Publications

Date: Ongoing

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: Ag Water Quality Program

Content or Curriculum: Update on Research and Regulations

Inputs: Agents, NRCS, Specialists

Date: Fall 2023

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: Noxious Weed Pesticide Program

Content or Curriculum: Thistle Spraying Demonstrations

Inputs: Agent, KY Dept. of Ag, UK Publications

Date: Spring 2024

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: Watershed Protection

Content or Curriculum: Using Native Grasses to Protect Watershed 

Inputs: Agent, Specialists, UK Publications, NRCS, Fish and Wildlife 

Date: Ongoing 

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: Water Sample Testing

Content or Curriculum: Analysis of Water Quality

Inputs: Agent, Staff, Water's Lab, UK Publications

Date: Ongoing

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: Poultry Litter Program

Content or Curriculum: Controlling levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Inputs: Agent, Specialists, UK Publications

Date: Fall 2023

Success Stories