Leslie County CES

County Emphasis:

Growing a Sustainable Future

Concentration 1:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 2:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Situation:

Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to educating adults and youth about natural resources and environmental sciences developing adaptive management strategies for the critical issues facing the sustainability of farms, natural areas, and forests for today and in the future. Implementing soil and water conservation practices in both urban and rural watersheds is critical to the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s natural resources. Ensuring the sustainability of Kentucky woodlands and natural resources faces many challenges. Many landowners struggle to implement sustainable practices due to economic pressures, lack of access to technology, and workforce. Kentucky’s forests and natural areas face growing risks. Threats from climate change are increasing as evidenced by some of the warmest and wettest years on record during the past decade and Kentucky is ranked as the ninth most vulnerable state in the country by long-term climate change impacts. In addition, a wide range of invasive species can cause problems in woodlands, forests and other natural areas, threatening management and long-term sustainability. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System’s 2023 assessment identified key priorities promoting natural resource literacy. 

County Situation:

Leslie County’s path to a more resilient future depends on our ability to sustain and protect our rich natural resources—including forests, farmland, and wildlife—while addressing urgent challenges like climate change, invasive species, and declining land productivity. Kentucky’s forests alone generate $13 billion annually and support over 28,000 jobs, with 88% of the state’s 12.4 million forested acres privately owned, highlighting the vital role of landowner engagement in long-term sustainability efforts (University of Kentucky Forestry Extension, 2023). Yet, community members face barriers such as economic strain, limited access to high-speed internet, and a lack of modern tools or knowledge to implement best practices—factors identified in the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment as priority issues (UK CES, 2023). Residents of Leslie County also voiced concerns about sustaining family farms, supporting the local food and agriculture industry, and ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food—needs that directly intersect with the responsible management of soil, water, and natural areas. In addition, environmental instability continues to impact our region; Kentucky has been identified as the ninth most vulnerable state to long-term climate change impacts, with severe events like the 2022 Eastern Kentucky flooding underscoring the importance of preparedness and conservation (Kentucky Climate Center, 2024). These environmental concerns are not only relevant to adults but also critical for youth development. Through 4-H natural resource and environmental education programs, young people gain valuable life skills, explore science-based careers, and build a deeper understanding of sustainability—helping address other community priorities like youth workforce readiness, life skills training, and building strong youth-adult mentorships (National 4-H Council, 2024; UK CES, 2023). By aligning our programs with these shared priorities, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is well-positioned to promote responsible land stewardship, support environmental literacy, and strengthen both individual and community resilience for years to come.

Long-Term Outcomes:

- Economic, social, physical, or environmental situations that will change because individuals or communities adopted new (or improved existing) actions, practices, and behaviors (these also take time to mature)).

- Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the natural resources community as consumers, leaders, and innovators. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

- New or improved practices, behaviors, or choices that will occur in participants or communities because of the knowledge or awareness they gained from their contact with Extension (these are behavior change outcomes that are typically measured in follow-up evaluations because they require time to mature.) 

- Youth will take responsible action in natural resources conservation.

Initial Outcomes:

- Increase the awareness of sustainable forest management practices, economic pressures and technological barriers facing woodland owners and other interested individuals.  

- Youth will expand life and work readiness skills, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of natural resources.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported  increased understanding of the value of building local cultural assets such as foodways, arts, and heritage traditions.

Method: Reflection surveys and community feedback.

Timeline: Collected within 30 days of participation.

Outcome: Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

Indicator 1: Number of communities or organizations securing external funding (grants, sponsorships, or resource investments) as a result of Extension support.

Indicator 2: Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.

Method: grant tracking, partners surveys, local reports

Timeline: annually

Outcome:  Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement

Indicator:  Number of participants who reported experiencing stronger ties to their community as a result of participating in Extension arts programming with others.

Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation

Timeline: after program participation

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Community, Families and Grow Appalachia Group

Project or Activity:  Gardening

Content or Curriculum: NEP, FCS and ANR current materials and resources

Inputs:   Extension Agents, Staff  and volunteers

Date: Spring/Summer/Fall 2025-2026

Audience: Adults, Homemakers, Youth, Community & Grow Appalachia Group

Project or Activity: Food Preservation series 

Content or Curriculum: FCS, 4-H curriculums, Extension

Inputs: FCS Agent; 4-H Agent, ANR Agent; Extension Staff, and Volunteers

Date: Summer/Fall 2025-2026

Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Beekeepers Club

Content or Curriculum: UK publication, Approved Curriculum 

Inputs:  Agents, UK Specialists, Volunteers

Date: July 2025, June 2026; Ongoing

Audience: Adults and Teens

Project or Activity: Kentucky Native Plants

Content or Curriculum: UK publication, Approved Curriculum 

Inputs:  agents, UK Specialists, Volunteers

Date: July 2025, June 2026

Audience: Adults, Homemakers, Youth and Community

Project or Activity: Recycling/Reduce/Reuse and Environmental Efforts

Content or Curriculum: Household Waste Management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, 4-H Arts Curriculum,

Inputs: FCS Agent; 4-H Agent; ANR Agent; Program Assistant, Extension Staff; Solid Waste and Community Partners

Date: July 2025-June 2026, Ongoing

Audience: Youth, Schools, Community Partners, Volunteers

Project or Activity: Backpack program: Feeding Leslie County Youth

Content or Curriculum: NEP, FCS, 4-H and related curriculum

Inputs: FCS Agent; 4-H Agent; ANR Agent; Program Assistant/Staff, Extension and Community Volunteers; 4-H Teens

Date: July 2025-June 2026; Ongoing

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported  increased understanding of the value of building local cultural assets such as foodways, arts, and heritage traditions.

Method: Reflection surveys and community feedback.

Timeline: Collected within 30 days of participation.

Outcome: Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

Indicator 1: Number of communities or organizations securing external funding (grants, sponsorships, or resource investments) as a result of Extension support.

Indicator 2: Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.

Method: grant tracking, partners surveys, local reports

Timeline: annually

Outcome:  Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement

Indicator:  Number of participants who reported experiencing stronger ties to their community as a result of participating in Extension arts programming with others.

Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation

Timeline: after program participation