Estill County CES

Title:

Natural Resource Conservation

MAP:

Local Foods and Sustainable Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Erin Leach, Judy Vaughn, Emma Lee

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Estill County residents will develop a long term plan to manage the use and conservation of natural resources including, Forestry, farmland, water, and energy.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Estill County residents will gain the desire through increased education to manage resources in in an effort to preserve them.

Initial Outcomes:

Increase knowledge and technical skills needed to manages resources.

Evaluation:

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: All year

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: All year

Learning Opportunities:

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

Success Stories

From the Mountains to the Ocean

Author: Erin Leach

Major Program: Natural Resources

“From the Mountains to the Ocean”:Day Camp Inspires Ocean Awareness and Conservation in Estill County Youth.Although Kentucky is landlocked, it didn’t stop 86 youth from exploring the wonders of the ocean during the summer Day Camp titled “From the Mountains to the Ocean.” The camp was hosted by Estill County Extension Office 4-H programming and overseen by 4-H Assistant, LaDonna Dawes. It brought the sights, science, and stewardship of the sea to life right inside

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Estill County Youth Grow Through 4-H Summer Camp Experience

Author: Erin Leach

Major Program: Camping

In June 2025, Estill County proudly sent 51 youth, along with 10 Teen Junior Counselors, 7 dedicated Adult Counselor Volunteers, and 1 4-H Agent to J.M. Feltner Memorial 4-H Camp in London, Kentucky for a five-day, four-night camping experience. This immersive summer camp is a cornerstone of Kentucky 4-H programming, offering a safe, fun, and educational environment where youth can build confidence, learn new skills, and form meaningful relationships.During the week, campers engaged in a wide ra

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