Extension
It Starts With Us
Private Stream Quality
The Environment and Natural Resources
Hull
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Integrated Pest Management
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Kentucky has over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers. Many citizens have streams flowing through their property, some in their backyards. Many streams are subject to “urban stream syndrome” which can lead to increased flooding and scoured streambanks. Homeowners are often challenged by how to “manage” a backyard stream. Streambank erosion, invasive plants, and lack of wildlife habitat are often problems for backyard stream owners. It is important for all Kentucky citizens to understand basic watershed concepts and basic stream science, and be able to apply this knowledge when making management decisions that may impact water quality. Educational programs will provide opportunities for backyard stream owners and managers to become better stewards of Kentucky’s water resources by stabilizing streambanks, planting native vegetation, improving wildlife habitat, and potentially improving property values.
Place value on water resources
Protect and improve water quality
Protect soil resources
Maintain or improve wildlife habitat (e.g. pollinators, fish, aquatic insects)
Maintain or improve property value
Evaluate changes in backyard streams
Implement best management practice(s) to protect stream banks and stream buffer zone
Plant native vegetation in stream buffer zones
Maintain native vegetation in stream buffer zones
Identify and evaluate problem areas in watersheds
Describe basic watershed concepts
Understand basic stream hydrology
Interpret basic stream ecology
Relate how streams respond to human impacts
Initial Outcome: 10 stream surveys will be conducted
Indicator: Participants will identify problem areas on their properties
Method: Hands-on property surveys
Timeline: 3 - 6 months
Intermediate Outcome: 5 streams will be improved using Stream Protection BMPs.
Indicator: Participants will implement BMPs to protect stream banks and buffer zones
Method: On-site demonstration and evaluation of practices used
Timeline: 6 - 9 months
Long-term Outcome: Water quality will be improved and erosion will be reduced in Gallatin streams.
Indicator: Decreased stream bank erosion and run-off on participants property
Method: On-site evaluation of corrective practices
Timeline: 12 - 18 months
Audience: Landowners, Gardeners, Landscape/turf maintenance professionals, neighborhood associations, Schools, Parks and park employees
Project or Activity: "Clean Streams: The Importance of Small Streams to the Local Ecosystem"
Content or Curriculum: Series of newspaper articles, newsletters, and social media posts outlining the importance of keeping streams clean. Will also utilize Kentucky Water Awareness Month materials.
Inputs: UK College of Ag Professionals (agents, specialists), State and federal agencies (ex: NRCS, KY Div of Water), Publications (to be developed), Research information
Date: Spring 2024
Audience: Landowners, Gardeners, Landscape/turf maintenance professionals, neighborhood associations, Schools, Parks and park employees
Project or Activity: Public and private stream walks
Content or Curriculum: Twilight survey of impacted streams
Inputs: Private land cooperators, NRCS and other agency support
Date: April 2024
Audience: Landowners, Gardeners, Landscape/turf maintenance professionals, neighborhood associations, Schools, Parks and park employees
Project or Activity: "Protecting Our Streams: A guide to Best Management Practices"
Content or Curriculum: Classroom program designed to show why streams go bad and what can be done to remedy the problems.
Inputs: NRCS Publications and support, topographical mapping
Date: Aug - Fall 2023
